COO Office associate Review

I had an unforgettable year here. I met so many amazing people, both within my team, within the intern community and also in the wider company. I was pushed and tested in my role, had the opportunity to work with another department, and was even able to travel to the global HQ in Germany for a football tournament. In the role I was able to learn so much about how a business works, be in the presence of and also work for very senior people in the company.

I did not feel like I was on a placement year, I felt like a full time member of staff. I was given work that pushed challenged my knowledge and skills, was never left out of meetings, events or any jobs. People did not look down on my role or to me, and I was respected in the business. When my manager was not in, I was given the responsibility to be in meetings in their place, showing me that they trusted me to do the job as well as respected me to represent a senior member of staff.

Constantly throughout the year there were various different training opportunities. These ranged from one-to-one meetings with my manager and people in my team, to classroom sessions for all employees on social selling, as well as classroom sessions for interns on all aspects of the job, from dress code and using applications, to business etiquette and your personal brand.

I was always kept on my toes. There were very few days where you had to find some personal work to do as you are constantly being pushed to do the best that you can. Additionally, if you find that a lot of work is piling up, you can always push back on getting more, or extending deadlines, you have to remember that you are working with other humans who listen to you and respect you.

There were many meetings where I was representing my manager, meaning I was acting as a senior member of staff. This allowed me to really appreciate what I have and made me realise that I was respected by my team, and trusted enough to do the job in their place.

My degree was not necessarily directly related to my placement. I wanted to take this year to learn about how a business functions and the different departments that are within a business of this size.

It is quite a professional atmosphere, but relaxed at the same time. People are dressed smart and appropriately, and there is an open plan office on both floors of the office, meaning you can always speak to your team, manager as well as other people around the office. The general attitude from all of the employees is very positive as well, they will always offer to help and give you opportunities where they see fit.

We had a month at the beginning where the previous interns were still present, meaning that you can learn from them on the job rather than being given some paper with the information on it. Additionally, you have so many things organised during the year for your cohort of interns, from socials to training.

A lot. From all of the company benefits, to time off, and being able to travel around, there is a lot of flexibility. Furthermore, my team have mentioned to me many times now, coming towards the end of my placement, that I have gone through so much change in my year here, both professional and personal.

There are certain schemes set up to come back, and then there are also part-time workers which continue to help their teams during their last year at uni. Additionally, there are a lot of people which will be offered graduate jobs while applying in their final, third year of uni.

Very good. There were 56 people on placement for me, and there were always activities happening. People would go to the pub after work on a weekly basis, birthdays and nights out were always planned individually as well. Finally, there is an intern Christmas and end of year party to celebrate, with an awards evening as well, and a boat party. Options are endless and they have all been so fun!

It is in London, so is quite expensive, however if you live in the right area you can find some cheap accommodation, which will all be explained to you so you are not left in the dark about it. For socialising, it is not cheap, but you get to know the bars and clubs which offer deals and promotions, so you don't always pay full price.

Enjoyable, there are so many different places to go to, that you never get bored of them and always find new places.

Yes. You have all weekend every week, which you can fill with countless opportunities doing many different things. There are open theatres, sports clubs and teams and also other social clubs.