Business Operations Intern Review

Overall I enjoyed my time at Eaton once I started to be given work and responsibility. It was difficult to start off with as I had no work to do. If I was given work it would be small tasks that would not take me long to complete or enhance my skills. Once I had spoken to my manager about what I wanted to gain from the placement, the situation changed and allowed me to start enjoying it.

There were times I felt very valued and part of the business. I felt the tasks they were assigning me were going to have a real impact on the business. However, there were other times when I felt like I had been forgotten about as I was given no work and not involved in any meeting or projects that were going ahead.

My manager was very good with me. When I told him I was struggling and felt undervalued and underutilized, he made sure I was given plenty to do. In addition to this, he would ask other departments if they needed any help. He would catch up with me regularly to see how I was getting along and if I needed any assistance. He was also very supportive when I did not understand something or could not complete a piece of work, taking time out to show me how to complete the tasks or letting me know someone who could help me.

My workload was very varied throughout my time on placement. There would be times when I would have too much work and I would have to say no to other pieces of work and then there was the complete opposite. I would sit with nothing and be very bored but in general, I have had work to do most of the time.

When I was given work I was given a lot of responsibility if not complete control over that work. I would be allowed to run with certain projects and put my own ideas into them. If I was not running them I would be working closely with the people who were running them, offering assistance and at times guidance to whoever needed it. There were some times when I was given work with not much responsibility, however these were needed urgently and need to be done in a specific way.

The training I received from the program itself have been extremely useful and helped me develop my skills further. We had training days throughout the year to develop skills that we could transfer and use on a daily basis. I also developed my skills on the job by actually being involved and doing the work. I have improved a number of skills that will be invaluable when I go back to university and finish my degree.

The atmosphere in my office was quiet most of the time which I did not mind as I work better in quieter conditions. This does not mean there was no fun in the office as there would be times where people would laugh with each other and make conversation and be interested in what others are doing. When work needed to be complete, the office would however be quiet.

The placement program itself was organized incredibly well. This included training days, which were extremely useful, and induction days so all the interns could get to know one another and network. I think it then depended on which division/ department you were placed into. At times, for me, it felt more like a convenience I was there rather than a need. It felt like my department/ division did not know I was coming so did not have anything set up and ready for me to work on, however they were going through a massive period of transition so I was aware I was not a priority.

I would say I was invested in quite well. Although at the start I did not feel I was valued or needed, this changed. The program ensured we had training days throughout the year to improve skills, I was allowed to travel with the company and my manager invested time with me to help me with tasks I did not know how to complete and enhance my skills further.

For me personally, I would not apply for a job after university. This is nothing to do with the company, it is in the manufacturing sector generally. I have realized during my placement that this is not the sector I want to work in straight after university (I am not saying I would never work in this sector again) however I would not deter people from applying. It sounds like they have an amazing graduate scheme and good prospects but I would like to try different sectors.

The social scene was bad. The company hosted events but they were close to work or at work which was difficult for me because I lived a 40 minute drive away from work. In addition to this not many people would attend. The social scene with fellow interns was better as we would meet up on training days and had a few dinner throughout the year.

The area where the office is based is very cheap. I would not about the cost of living or socializing there as I did not live close to the office, I lived in the nearest big city as I knew that city. I would say it was not expensive but there wouldn't be much to do near work. I think it was very depended on the interns you were based with and the people in your office.

There was little to no nightlife near the office. I did not go out at night during my placement year with people from the office as there was nowhere to go. Also, I lived in a big city with a very good social life with people I knew so I would go back there I was to go out after work.

There were a few opportunities to get involved with some extra things outside of work and there are more opportunities arising now. There are activities that work put on such as running club and other things along those lines. Then there are activities that are discounted if you were with the business such as bikes (bike scheme), gym memberships, days out etc.