Student Intern Review

A fantastic placement - National Grid is really keen for students to do real work and the challenge of the task set was very enjoyable.

Our colleagues were always keen to give up their time - even if we had never met or talked to them before! Everyone is extremely friendly and willing to share their knowledge, which means you learn so much just be talking to people. Also they are depending on your output so you really feel valued.

Our line manager was very well organised, always had time for even the smallest of requests and was very supportive of our work. This really helped us getting started in the job.

We were expected to do a job and finish our project, but the timescales are very flexible - noone expects you to come in by or leave after a certain time, and you don't at all feel pressured or overworked.

For example, we were give the job of writing a policy document to be used by the company, and we were given the chance to present our ideas to senior management. Our project was completely our own and we were responsible for what came out of it.

I learnt so much about the electricity industry, how the network works etc that I am finding I know most of the things in my Power Engineering lectures! I also developed many skills, especially communication skills, and learnt how to work with people and how businesses are managed.

Atmosphere was very relaxed - people were always willing to talk and you didn't feel like you had to sit at your desk for the whole day.

Really well organised project, and we also had several (9 in 8 weeks!) site visits and trips organised for us that were really enriching experiences.

The fact that we were given real work was an incredible opportunity to develop. Also, we were asked at the beginning of the placement what we would like to learn/develop and our line managers encouraged us in this, eg if we wanted to improve communication skills they would get us presenting to senior management. We also got a lot of feedback.

I already have a further 2 placements with the company, after which I can apply and skip most of the application process, which is great. I feel really confident I could get a job there, because of the experience I already have of the company, my placements there and the fact that I met many people who did the same internship scheme and got jobs straight after.

There was a large group of students there at the same time, all living close together. So it's very easy to get a good social scene going. Also we were invited to the young employees' events (they had their own network within the company), which were really enjoyable.

The costs were ok although the accommodation could have been cheaper. In terms of socialising there wasn't that much to do although there were things like restaurants, cinemas and a few pubs and clubs.

Not that great - we stuck to going out to the cinema or for a meal. There weren't many clubs.

We had the opportunity to do a lot of volunteer events with National Grid, including kid's engineering fairs which were great fun! Also we did a lot together as a group as there were so many of us.