Planning Intern Review

My placement to begin with was a bit of a struggle as no one really found the time for me so I was left with little or nothing to do not learning at all. However I took it upon myself to speak to more relevant people and I managed to secure myself a place within a team more suited to my needs.

Once I found my position with the finance team I felt 100% valued by them and this was a lot more motivating than before and I was being pushed from person to person leaving me feeling like a burden to them.

Once contacted by myself the management and supervisors were very supportive and helped with all I needed to get the most out of my placement experience. They endured I found a place within the office that would meet the requirements of my placement whilst also being enjoyable to me.

For my first 4 months on placement I would’ve scored this a 1 as I had literally one job a week. However once I had gained a position more fit to my needs in the finance department I was perfectly busy every day, which made the day fly by.

As I got to know how things ran in finance I gained more responsibility. It still wasn’t anything major however as I am not a qualified accountant there was a lot I was unable to take part in. I do continuously get more responsibility as I go on.

I have learnt so much on my year with Siemens. Things I wouldn’t have ever learnt in a classroom and things I have noticed have really carried over into my final year modules. My placement has been the most effective experience I could’ve ever done, it will really help when looking for positions in the future post grad.

As Siemens is a project based company the Manchester base was usually very quiet due to everyone being on the site offices. Although the finance team were able to have a bit of fun sometimes being the only ones in the office.

Due to my start I had nothing to do and no one had any idea what to do with me. The usual placement area is in the office in Chippenham so it was something they hadn’t done before. They did have a plan set out for me, however it just didn’t go as imagined once I arrived.

There was a lot available on the intern programme run by Siemens. Although my experience didn’t go to plan the students in the Chippenham office seemed to have a more organised experience, with more training.

I would work with Siemens again as they have been a great employer and a very busy company working on the railway at this time as it is a fast moving industry. Despite my rocky start I have had a very rewarding experience with the company. With prospects of being able to move around the company in different industries around the world is very appealing to me.

There is a monthly social for employees, team building days and celebrations for end of projects. The social scene was good as many colleagues are all over different offices and sites it’s a good way to catch up.

It is getting increasingly expensive in Manchester however I lived at home whilst on placement so I didn’t experience how much it costs to live in the area.

Manchester has a great nightlife and there is something for everyone.

Siemens are advocates for charity work and so there were always different things running for fundraising. I walked the three peaks on placement for Manchester mind charity.