This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
Though the work wasn't always that challenging or exciting, the office atmosphere and friendly, helpful colleagues meant it was never hard to get up in the morning.
Most other employees I worked with were appreciative of the work I did, and seemed to genuinely value my input. Occasionally a task which I had put time and effort into would not be rewarded with recognition, but this was a rare occurrence.
There were always people around to ask for help, from the official structures such as the buddy and Personnel Manager systems, to asking someone in the next desk for help, which would never be an issue, even if you didn't really know them.
While some days were incredibly hectic, in general I had more than enough time to complete assignments, which suits the way I work.
I ended up taking some PMO responsibilities on my project, as well as sometimes being tasked with managing the progress and focus of other interns, which was a significant level of responsibility. In addition, I feel I was rewarded for completing tasks successfully with increased responsibilities, showing the recognition others had for my skills.
I have no doubt the experiences in terms of working within a corporate framework, and as part of a mixed level team, will be extremely useful in future. However, much of the work itself wasn't particularly difficult, so I maybe didn't have the same opportunity to develop in that area.
The Company
The atmosphere was professional, with an emphasis on quality work and information sharing, though people would always be courteous and friendly.
By and large the internship was very well managed, with information being provided at the appropriate stage and with plenty of notice, and clearly available contacts in case of any issues.
A significant investment was given to interns, with high-level staff often involved in training events and sessions. In addition, I was able to organise several interviews with partners during my time there, and they were all happy to give up half an hour of their (very valuable) time to have a chat.
Subsidised Canteen
I have a job offer, however there is a possibility I will not take it up, in favour of a more challenging/stimulating opportunity.
The Culture
Everyone was great at getting lunch together and most people would come for a drink after work, though that was pretty much as exciting as it got.
Central London is expensive, but it is also vibrant and fun, so probably doesn't represent bad value.
The nightlife is good, but I know that from living in London anyway, as we didn't really go out while we were there.
There probably would have been some, and doubtless there are when a full-time employee, but I didn't have a chance in my six weeks.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
London
November 2011