People Intern Review

I had a really good experience on placement. I have made friends for life, which is probably my biggest takeaway. The placement was a great chance for me to learn the HR industry is not for me. This has nothing to do with the role and company, just my own personal preference.

I have made friends for life, both in other interns and graduates and my team. I will probably come back to the office next year to pay everyone a visit. We reguarly keep in contact out of work, and do activities out of work together. I feel like a collegue & friend, not just 'the intern'.

Encouraged my development beyond what the placement scheme offered me. Had regular 121's and my feedback was always considered. Always ready for fight my corner if needed. Would help me when needed, but would also allow me to be independent to learn from my own experiences. Supported by everyone in my team, not just my direct line manager.

My first few months were very quiet. My first role had peaks and troughs, as work came in as and when. The other intern and I sourced experience in other teams to gain further insight and to keep busy. This led to the opposite, and we were overloaded with work. But again, it could be quiet.

I was trusted with the same work that my fellow collegues would receive. I even worked on work that the CEO would see, and other senior leders. No one would doubt me, but I was always given the relevant support if I needed it. I felt a valued and trusted member of the team.

One of my biggest takeaways from the year is the business etiquette I have learnt & developed. I can take into any career. Emailing, presenting, hosting meetings, communicating and so on. In terms of university, I will treat it like a full time job, with the time management I now have.

Majority of people were happy and welcoming. The general vibe was very relaxed, with a relaxed dress code. You could feel the tension and stress when people had tight deadlines to meet, and if they were staying later. I personally never experienced this as an intern, but if my fellow team members were stressed you could feel it.

I was provided with little information before I started, but I knew all the general details (where I would be working and when). The scheme was organised fairly well, but a lot of the experience I gained was off my own back, or my manager's. There were regular training opportunies offered.

We were offered around 10 training courses, which ranged from an hour session to a full day. It would have been nice to have been offered more back-to-uni support, and possibly Excel training. I don't belive the company itself invested in me, it was more my line manager.

Intern and graudate events such as a welcoming day out, cricket at the Oval, conferences, a party and so on. There was also the People Team Christmas Party at Southampton Football club. I reguarly see other interns, graduates and apprentices outside of work. This is arranged by us, not the scheme.

Hook (the current head office), had nothing there, only a few pubs. You'd have to travel further afield to find anything. The majority of graduates and interns live in Reading, where there is A LOT of nightlife. The office is moving to Reading in the next year, so nightlife should improve.