Divisional Finance Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my year with Eaton. The work I contributed was significant in promoting the growth of the division. I had the opportunity to get involved with multiple projects across the business, travel the country to work at multiple sites within the division, collaborate with a range of departments and work closely with senior management on a regular basis.

I felt extremely valued by my colleagues, everyone gave me a level of respect that did not make me feel like an intern. I worked closely with senior management and the work they expect from me was of a high calibre. I had the support of my team around me to ensure that my output would match the standards expected.

I could not have asked for a better team/ manager in the finance department. We had a very strong personal and working relationship. They valued my efforts and provided me with the feedback, encouragement and support I needed to growth as an individual and helped me improve my technical and analytical skill set.

Because I was working in finance, at month end I was at my busiest. Some days I would stay an extra hour or so behind to assist my manager on month end closing tasks. Therefore after month end I have a little more free time but this allowed me to crack on with project work which constantly kept me busy.

From the first month I was given a lot of responsibility because I was handed over all the work and month end tasks from the intern before me. This only ever increased as I took on more and more tasks, responsibilities and projects to the extend that I started to outsource my more simpler reports to India so I could focus on the imperative tasks at hand.

I have developed a wide range of skills such as communication, IT skills, team working, presenting and time management. All of which I will be bale to apply to jobs in later life. I also got involved in a research project with other interns which we had to present to senior management. This is a key example of how I can apply the skills developed towards my dissertation in my final year.

Because I worked at a divisional head office, there were times that it was very empty due to the senior management travelling for work. These days the atmosphere was not great (especially when it is not month end). However the days when we have a full team in is a different story, great vibes with plenty of banter flowing through the team.

I felt my placement was very well structured. The month end tasks are very regimented, I knew exactly what was expected of me. Any additional work would come from/ through my manager or above. This was how I would get involved with projects across the business.

My manager was excellent, she always had the time to answer my questions and reinforce my understanding of accounting and finance. When ever I requested, she would review my personal development in one on one sessions. In addition to this we had some workshops/ training days with all the other interns across the country to build upon our soft skills such as time management, presenting and teamwork.

I would consider working for Eaton in the future however my experience was significantly impacted by the people I was working with, I would not be guaranteed this working at another division/ department.

Unfortunately all of the interns were spread across the country so it is hard for all of us to get together. On the training days (sometimes lasting two days which meant a free hotel) this is possible and we 100% made the most of it. At work the social scene was nice, we went out for drinks occasionally but this is difficult because everyone drives in to work. We got to have a few meals/ events on the company which was really appreciated.

I worked in Leamington Spa so compared to London it was cheap, compared to Swansea it was expensive. Housing wise I was so lucky, I shared with three people who worked for Jaguar Landover's apprenticeship scheme. I knew them through mutual friends who were looking for a new house mate which was a 10 min walk from work for £350 a month.

The nightlife is good for casual drinks and food but the club scene is pretty average. Altoria, fizzy moon and Bedford street are pretty decent and the Assembly is worth keeping an eye out for events/ live music. It is a bit out of the way but the Saxon Mill is a really nice pub near the area on a summers evening.

No not really, well nothing through Eaton anyway. All the activities I took part in was down to me seeking them myself. For example I joined a gym/ leisure centre, played badminton and hockey with my house mates a few times and bought my golf clubs with me to mess around on the driving range.