Summer Analyst Review

I really enjoyed the culture at Centrica. I found the staff to be focused on helping you develop and there was definitely a pus towards getting you ready to apply for the graduate role (only if you want to, there was no pressure). Only slight detractor from enjoyment was the location - Windsor.

In a short space of time (the internship runs for 10 weeks) I have been made to feel like part of the team and my colleagues could not have been more friendly and supportive. This is helped by the fact there are lots of employee satisfaction events put on for interns.

My manager has given me all the guidance and tools I need to improve in my role. I have been given a good balance of constructive comments and praise which has been key to maintaining my confidence. There is scope to take as much or little responsibility as you feel you can handle.

There were some slower moments. I was never asked to stay late or come in early which is good, the scheme ran pretty much bang on 9 to 5. The workload given to interns could probably be more intense, I did seem to have some very busy periods and some periods with very little to do.

I worked on some relatively high profile projects which gave me a sense of responsibility, but ultimately the buck never stopped with me. Although I was given opportunity for leadership and coordination there was always the failsafe of my manager taking responsibility for any shortcomings. However, I will say I was given a project which was very almost entirely mine by the end of the placement.

I think this placement is a great kick starter for anyone looking to develop professional skills. We were trained in excel, presentation skills, teaming-working among other things. I would say the emphasis placed on transferrable skills is great and has really helped me out. I do think the skills gained will help me massively in the coming couple of years.

The atmosphere was very nice. I felt welcome to go up to anyone and ask questions or get to know about their role. People are treated as friends although it is fairly hierarchical and split into rigid layers of management which somewhat detracts from this. Overall it is a nice place to work though.

There were some HR problems -minimum 4 month gym membership - not being paid on the date stated by HR - Bus coming 80 mins late to pick us up for induction - lack of transport arrangement throughout internship In terms of professional development there was structure in objective setting etc.

Very mixed, it is not a great location as it is an expensive area with not much going on. Windsor and surrounding areas is limited in terms of recreation. The graduate job pays fairly well but nothing overly competitive compared to what one can earn in London. It is appealing that they like to help interns get into the grad scheme if they want to.

Not great, Royal Holloway where they house the interns is a good 25 min drive from the office, a journey which the interns have to fund themselves. Egham where the halls are is expensive and the shop choices are limited, I ended up paying a lot of travel expenses both in week and at the weekend.