MD Office Associate Review

I've had a really good time this year. I've been involved in things I wouldn't have dreamed of and I've gone from having no idea what I want to do after university to having more of a direction in what interests me within the business world. Of course there were some hard and challenging times but over all I have really enjoyed it.

Most of the time I felt valued by my colleagues. I worked within two teams; one of which was very verbally encouraging and congratulatory through my year towards my work. My other team was within quite a demanding office, and often if I'd worked for a long time on a project that demanded long hours and once it was finished we would move on tot he next thing without a word.

In additional to my specific role I was working with a secondary team who were incredibly supportive to me in regards to my role with them and in planning my future career. I also had a buddy within my team who would chat all things, life and careers with me which I found super helpful! However, on the down side myself and the other intern in my department did have some issues with one of my managers throughout the year but I had a lot of people around me to support me through it.

I enjoy being very busy, but at times my role was quite over whelming due to the team I was working in. However, I always had other interns, mentors or managers who offered me support.

I was involved in multiple projects that effected the whole business and out partners where I was the project lead or on the project lead team. Even though at times this could be challenging, I felt like I was entrusted with projects and within teams as a full time employee that had value to add.

I've developed skills in team work, MS office skills, how to work effectively with external vendors, business and partners. Also in how to work well in an often demanding office where there can be political challenges. I think it's encouraged me to be determined and also recognise the value I can hold in a team.

As a sales driven business the business in the office often peaks and troughs. When it's busy there is always something going on from customers and partners on the ground floor to ice cream vans! However, during the middle of the financial year it can be a lot quieter and a lot of people will work from home.

Really well organised. The Placement Scheme had a steer-co who were always looking for opportunities for us to get involved in business wide schemes or smaller projects that would help us towards any future career goals. Our on boarding process was a bit learning based rather than team based but after feedback they completely transformed this for the new cohort that we have just recently on boarded!

Due to my roll and some conflict with my predominant manager I wasn't able to partake in as much training as I would have liked but I was able to get involved in some presentation training and some mentoring by team members and there were always training opportunities available on the company portal that I could do at any time.

As I don't want to go into sales or pre-sales there aren't any graduate schemes outside of these positions and other opportunities are more by word of mouth and staying in contact. As disappointing as this can seem, SAP are very clear about this from the outset and are always encouraging us to network within the company and their partners to open up more opportunities for us.

There's an opportunity to go out as an intern group most Thursday nights and we have a boat party both when we start and when we leave which is amazing! We also had intern awards, and work events which we were able to go to. So there's a good social scene for sure.

Because it's outside of central London the cost of living hasn't been as bad as other on placement, but to socalise we often still travel further into the centre.

There isn't much going on near the main office in Feltham, but you can travel further into London after work or stay in London if you're working in an alternative office. We often traveled to Clapham Junction and Richmond for drinks after work on a Thursday which was always great!

There were opportunities to join a sports club and go to external networking events.