EHS intern Review

I really enjoyed my internship and the variety of tasks which I was able to do throughout the year as no day was the same. There was not a point at which I did not enjoy my job, even when I was doing tasks that were not my preferred ones.

I felt very valued and like a regular employee by my immediate team members. However, some employees in the work place do not seem to include you as much because you are an intern, especially at the start of the year. But I think that this is because the company is very large and the workplace is very spread out. This did not have an impact on my feeling of being valued by my department as my input was as important as other team members.

My manager provided support and guidance as and when was needed. We had regular one to ones each month to discuss tasks and any problems however, if I did need something in between, I was able to contact him to discuss. I was provided a lot of guidance by other team members due to my manager being away from the office a lot of the time.

Some days were much busier than others. One day you could be super busy and barely at the desk because of meetings happening and having to do a lot of work, whilst others you could have very quiet days. During the quiet days you have to search for tasks to do yourself or catch up on other work which is not a problem.

I think I was given a lot of responsibility due to the tasks and projects which I was left to be in charge of myself. I was able to decide on a project and run it on my own which is great as you were able to do something which you had an interest in.

I took part in an IOSH managing safely worldwide known qualification. I also participated in two training courses on Risk Assessment and COSHH which are vital in a H&S environment but also can be relevant elsewhere too. The development of all my soft skills will be invaluable in the future.

The office atmosphere was very relaxed within my team however, I know in other areas it was more strict. I enjoyed the more relaxed vibe as it allowed me to feel more comfortable and get to know my colleagues better. At times it did feel a little less professional than previous jobs I have had.

The onboarding process was very lengthy from the initial application to the first day. I was provided minimum information about my first day and had to wait until a few weeks before the start date in order to hear from my manager the details about when and where to arrive. I think more information could have been given and the start made smoother.

I was sent on three training courses, one of which is an international qualification with the other two providing a CPD certificate of attendance. There were other training courses I would have considered doing if I had been given the opportunity. I was supported in various ways associated with my personal development such as being encouraged to go out of my comfort zone and develop my presentation and speaking skills.

There are grad schemes which I would be potentially interested in applying for depending on which route I decide to take after graduating. Alternatively, some other sites provide roles for graduates without the scheme which is also something I would consider as I have enjoyed working for the company and its benefits are very good.

There was an average social scene between placement students. I believe it could have been improved if the organisation helped the interns to integrate together as it is a very large site and we are all spread out across different buildings. However, groups of interns did socialise among themselves occasionally.

It was very typical of a student town as there is a university campus here. Rent is high for the rooms which you get but no more so than the prices you pay at university. Living can vary depending on your outgoing expenses and the lifestyle choices you make, as per all towns.

Good range of bars and pubs, some which catered for student prices and others much more expensive. Lack of night clubs in my opinion, but the bars were more than suitable. They are fine for socialising with fellow interns as well as when you have people visiting you for a weekend.

There were a few activities offered depending on your interest. Most of them were volunteering related and varied in activities greatly from sponsored runs to bake sales and gardening for the community. There were other activities including sports clubs and exercise classes as well as various other events which were promoted at work.