Programming Intern Review

I really loved my placement with Disney. I feel that throughout the year I learnt a lot about the company, their values, and the opportunities that they offer. I had the chance to attend movie screenings, script read-throughs, as well as attend all kinds of meetings with teams throughout the company. My experience has been incredibly valuable, and I now feel really prepared for a career after university.

From the very start I felt really included by my colleagues. Everyone was always so patient and understanding, and they have taught me so much. They always made me feel like I could ask questions, and they were always there to lend a hand. They really made me feel a part of the team.

From the beginning I felt very supported by my supervisors. They understood that this was my first experience in a full-time office environment, and were there for me throughout my whole journey. I had weekly meetings with my supervisor where we discussed what I had done that week, and what my plans were for the week going forward, to ensure that I always had the right amount of workload.

At the beginning I felt quite overwhelmed with work, but this was more because there was a lot to learn. Once I felt comfortable with the job, the actual workload depended a lot on the day/corcumstances. Certain days were busier than others, for example if we were given last minute changes to make, but generally, the work was consistently balanced. Occassionally I would find myself with a very heavy workload, but this was balanced with other days with much less to do.

I feel like I was entrusted with fairly important work throughout my placement, and never felt undervalued. I always felt like I was truly contributing to the team, and not like I was just there to assist or shadow. I had the chance to lead important meetings and in general I did the same job as others on my team.

Although the actual work I did in my placement didn't directly relate to my degree subject, I think that everything that I learnt along the way has prepared me for my final year at university, and for a future after. I have discovered new ways to manage my time, I have become a lot more self-confident, and have become much quicker with technical skills, such as using certain softwares.

Overall, the atmosphere was very open and approachable. The office is open-plan so it was easy to be sociable and make friends with other interns and work colleagues. I never felt watched, and generally found a great balance of getting on with my role independently, and socialising with my team and others. The workspace is really colourful and welcoming, and there was often an event or screening planned to break up the day/week.

As my placement was new, my team wasn't already set up for a new intern, like others were. Because of this, I think for the most part the role was created as I went along, seeing where gaps were, where I could make things easier for the team, and in general find tasks that have now become specific to the intern role.

The company puts a lot of work in investing in their employees, and I definitely felt included in that. I had many opportunities to attent workshops, training sessions and talks that have been incredibly valuable. I had an online portal where I could do online workshops, as well as reflect on my development along with my manager. I also felt really supported my my supervisor in my creative work outside of the job.

A lot of past interns are re-hired by the company. I would love to come back either in the same role, or another maybe that would closer relate to my degree, but I think that the opportunity to do that is much likelier now that I have this experience on my CV, and have made the contacts that I have.

On your first day, you start with a group of other interns which is a great way to meet people at first. There are great opportunities to socialise with other interns, but personally as an introvert I did find them a little intimidating. Others found it much easier to make friends quickly, but for me it took a little while, as I often didn't involve myself in group activities outside of work.

The cost of living was quite a shock at first honestly, but it was manageable. Socialising, was more difficult on a budget, but I lived with another intern so it was easier for me. Most interns rent a room in a house with others or with students in order for the rent to be affordable.

I didn't ever really have the money or energy to go out! However I did occassionally go into central London to see a show or musical, or meet friends for dinner/drinks on the weekend, as the transport links to central London are great. My team did sometimes have team drinks which I would go to, close to work.

There are so many opportunities at Disney. Pride, Women at Disney, the choir, the Green Team, volunteering opportunities. There is always some group or activity to get involved with. I attended a great film festival organised by Disney Pride, as well as christmas parties, volunteering, and family & friends screenings.