IT Service Desk Review

I really enjoyed working for EDF trading, I was involved in projects that were running in my department and was given my own project to work on throughout the time I spent there that was useful for the business (rather than one made up just for the internship) , I was able to work with other departments to gain the most from the internship and was able to put into practice what I had learnt in the 'classroom' into the business world.

My department were so welcoming when I started. I haven't worked for anything bigger than a local family before, so I was nervous before starting at EDF Trading, that I would get lost or forgotten about. I was so wrong. he whole company have been so friendly. They're happy to sit down with you if you want to know more and I was treated like a normal employee. Not 'just the intern'.

My manager set up meetings when I first started to run through how the department runs and what he expected from me and what my project involved etc. He also asked me what I wanted out of the internship which allowed me to show my interests and in turn I was given the opportunity to visit other departments to 'try everything'. He is always happy for me to sit down and discuss any problems or issues I am having with my project or other bits and pieces I am working on, other managers have scheduled meetings with myself and other interns to show us what their department does.

Most days I had work to do, I was involved in a few different projects other than my own project, which I worked on. Some days were quieter than others but when i told them i was struggling for work they were more than happy to set me up with different team members and work with them on their day to day work or projects they had going on.

I was in charge of my own project, I did most of the work on this with the guidance on bits from my manager and team members. I was happy with the responsibility given to me. I was given petty tasks but wasn't given too much either.

This experience has helped me tremendously, I have now gained experience in working in the 'real world' in my area of interest. I hadn't worked on or run business projects before so this was a real learning curve for me. I now know more about the processes involved and have definitely improved my knowledge of Excel. We are also required to complete a presentation on the project we have completed. We have a presentation work shop to help us with this. This will help me with presentations in my final year.

Very friendly, and quite relaxed which made me feel at ease as soon as I started. The departments all talk to each other which meant meeting new people and talking to everyone was a lot easier. They were very social meaning that we could meet other members of the company in a social setting.

The placement was well organised, contracts and paperwork were sent out on time and HR replied fairly quickly. We had weekly sessions where different departments came and spoke to us about different aspects of the business. And my manager was prepared for my arrival, my workspace was set up before I got there and my project was sorted, so I could crack on with that straight away.

We took part in a half day course that staff at the company take part in, to help us better understand the company. They have also set up a days training on presentation skills which will help for my final year at university. My department were happy to sit down with me to explain aspects of the role that Ididn't understand that I again will be able to take back to university with me.

There is no process or advertisement of a job at the end. EDF Trading look at it on a person by person basis, whether there is a position available, whether its something the intern is interested in and if the intern is someone they are looking for.

Yes very much so, we regularly met up for lunch and after work drinks. The company also organises an intern outing, this year we went to a crazy golf course, which was really fun. It was a chance to socialise with the other interns that weren't as talkative.

I lived at home throughout my internship, London is naturally more expensive than other places, eating and drinking is quite expensive but standard for London. We were given a local business privilege card that got us discounts in the area which really helped.

There are quite a few pubs/bars and restaurants in the area. You are spoilt for choice on where to go really. And being so close to the tube, you are only a short tube ride away for surrounding areas.

They do yearly social events, however these were previously scheduled for once we've left. However they regularly go out for drinks after work and like I said above they offered an intern outing.