IT Intern Review

I got to work in several different roles which meant I was always doing something different and learning something new. My manager listened to my feedback and ensured that there was a balance in doing roles that gave me valuable experience in a corporate environment and doing activities that I enjoyed and was passionate about. I was never short of work to do and had fantastic support throughout the year which made going to work actually enjoyable!

I moved to London where I knew nobody so the people I met at work became my friends for the year. Everyone within the office, not just on my team welcomed me and I made so many friends for life. The people around me appreciated I was on placement and was there to learn and didn't just know everything and were always happy to give help and advice whilst working on projects. I made connections with people in the company all over the world and it was easy to build up a support network. The chance to work with these people again is one of the main reasons why I want to return!

I had regular 1 on 1's with my manager that gave us a chance to connect and for me to share my progress, ask for help. It was also my managers chance to set me more work and make sure that I was progressing on the placement.

There were always days that were businer than others, but there was plenty of work to be done and my manager always made sure that I didn't sit twiddling my thumbs! Meeting deadlines was a large part of my experience at GE and although often stressful it wqas great to be able to see yourself achieving something every week.

I was given quite a lot of responsibility as one of my main roles was as a project manager. I also worked on a $3m project as a business analyst where I wrote specification/requirement documents and also managed the web design aspect. This was a massive responsibility which I did not expect to get but felt I achieved through my project management work.

Returning to my studies I've learnt so many skills that can help me not just with my core subject but also with getting work done. I have a new mentality towards the way I work, I am more organised, I manage my time better and overall produce better results. I am also more confidant and communicative and have become a better problem solver. Whilst studying I am constantly referring to work I did on my placement that links in with assignments and shows I have a broader knowledge base.

Everyone was social at work, but at the same time the company has high expectations and people always had a lot of work to do. The company encorouged lunch breaks and provided a subsidised canteen to eat in, there was also opportunities to go out to eat at lunch.

The company invest a lot in placement students. The assessment day was well set up and there was an induction for all students when they started to make sure everyone settled in. They also provided team building experiences for us so we could get to know each other and others in the company. There was also reviews through the year to make sure that students were getting the most out of the placement and the placement coordinator was always on hand to manage any issues if they did occur.

GE invest a lot in traning for employees. They have an extensive range of online tutorials avaialble to all employees to help them expand knowledge in a chosen subject area. I also attended training workshops that helped with my interpersonal skills. They also provide training on the tools and systems that you may be expected to use.

Opportunities within GE are definitely worth going for. They have an excellent graduate scheme, and all of the people who I worked with or spoke to who were on it or had been on it recommended it. As a placement student within the company you are always encorouged to apply back.

There was definitely a good social scene. After work drinks on a Friday were standard, and people always looked for an excuse to get everyone together! The placement students were treated with team building days that included meals out and go karting! Teams often their own offsite days as well to get people out of the office to encorouge creativity at work and to help build relationships

I was in London so the cost was quite high. However the wage was enough to live on and I never really found myself struggling. GE are happy to help when it comes to living arrangements and relocating to make sure you get somewhere that you can afford and enjoy.

As I was in London the nightlife was endless, if not a little expensive! However work nights out were fine as a lot of the cost was covered and for personal nights out there were plenty of places for students to go for deals!

I got involved in several different volunteering opportunities whilst on placement. you are encorouged to take days like this to help your personal development and GE provide a lot of opportunities.