HR Summer Intern - Employee Relations Team Review

I have loved my placement with Centrica. All of my team around me have been so welcoming and so engaged with my personal development during my 10 weeks. The 10 week placement involved me having own project which allowed me to add value to the business and make a difference during my time there, which was very rewarding.

I couldn't of asked for a better team, my colleagues where so friendly and welcoming, they ensured I felt comfortable at all times. My colleagues valued my presence during the 10 weeks as I was given responsibility to deliver projects, that would benefit the team. I feel my team really appreciated having a new member with a fresh/ different perspective.

My manager was extremely approachable. She set out my project deliverables and expectations during my first week and then through out my project she offered great support and guidance on any queries I had, Also, she offered honest and constructive feedback when I asked for her thoughts on delivering my task.

Every day I always had something to do, whether that was working on my project, attending meetings with my team, visiting other functions within the HR unit or helping my colleagues with there personal projects. I found that because my project had a real impact on the business I always had something to research or someone to contact.

I felt my expectation of how much responsibility I was given during my placement was exceeded. I was given numerous opportunities to take responsibility during my 10 weeks, for example: taking items off the team meeting agendas to report to the team, delivering my project. I also had responsibility in the transition between the old and new intranet home page.

From taking the opportunity to do an internship with Centrica this has allowed me to have a greater understanding of the business, however I have also developed my personal skills immensely. I feel I have come away with more confidence in my presenting/ public speaking skills, in addition to learning how to prioritise tasks, which I will be able to transfer into my university studying.

The atmosphere in my office was very relaxed and friendly. Everyone was very happy to help with any queries or issues I had. From the first day I started I had a warm welcome and hence why I settled in quickly and was able to deliver my project effectively and efficiently.

The 10 week placement was very structured and organised from the start. Each week an 'end of week meeting review' would be sent out to ensure I was on target to meeting my objectives and make the most out of my 10 weeks with business, in addition to highlighting any additional opportunities I could get involved with.

It was evident that once you secure a place on the Centrica Summer internship that you are considered a valuable asset to the company, you are seen as an investment as future talent. The firm allowed me to travel across the country for development days, for example; presentation training and booster sessions for excel skills.

I would love to go on to the Graduate programme with this company. The grad programme is 3 years consisting of 3 different placement in different HR functions. This allows you to get a feel of 3 different functions of HR before you decide what you want to specialise in, in addition to allowing you to network across the business.

For the placement I lived in student accommodation with the other interns (paid for by the company), this allowed us to spend a lot of time outside of work. Also, there was a lot of meet-ups between the interns and grad's to discuss tips to get the most out of the internship, in addition to getting something to eat/ drink.

The cost of living was reasonable, the company provided accommodation and bills, so the only expense i had was for food and socialising. My placement was located in Manchester, very close to the city centre. This allowed us to go out together to eat, drink and shop on a regular basis.

Of a weekend there was always an opportunity to go out with the other interns, we were reasonably to close to bars and restaurant's. Additionally, we were very close to bus and train links if we wanted to travel on the weekend together to explore new areas of go home.

In the Manchester office there was nothing directly related to the business for activities outside of work, however there was a near by gym and park for BBQ's in the evening with the other interns. Additionally, other interns based in other locations across the UK often came to Manchester to meet up and go for food.