Platform assistant Review

On the whole I enjoyed it but my main problem was that the location was really bad. I was in a very small town just outside of Paris where I did not feel it was safe enough to walk to my office from the train station. By the end I felt more comfortable and enjoyed it because I learnt a lot of valuable skills- I learnt how to be more independant, be more professional and a lot about the French part (Litt) of SIG.

My colleagues on the whole were very kind and welcoming. However it was hard to distinguish my relationship with my boss because we got on well- sometimes I felt more like her PA rather than an intern in the office.

This was a let down because I was not explained a lot of things- when I arrived in June the office was really busy and so my boss didn't explain some key things to me and I felt afraid to ask because they were all so busy. I would have appreciated some form of monthly review at least.

It varied a lot. At the beginning I was quite bored- not enough challenging work but later I was given a lot- somedays it felt like too much pressure.

I was given a lot of responsability and felt like I played an important role in our team. Especially as an intern, I was happy with the challenge.

Really important learning curve- it was tough but I'm glad I did it because I feel like I have leant a lot.

Generally it was quiet and there was not much banter but I think that was because my colleagues wanted to be professional and work hard. It was a very effecient office.

In terms of the outline of my tasks for the 6 months, it was well organised but I did need more reviews because sometimes I wasn't clear if what I was doing was correct/on track. At the beginning the organisation was very bad- I didn't find out where I would be based until a few weeks before I actually started- this hindered me in finding accommodation and therefore cost SIG in hotel bills whilst I tried to find a place.

SIG have definitely invested a lot in me. I benefited greatly from a 3 day training course in Dublin towards the end of my placement. However, I would say that I needed more training and explanations at the start- I had to figure out a lot on my own.

I have been told that if a position is available on the graduate scheme when I graduate next year they would like to take me on which is great news because I can see a future with SIG.

It was a little isolating for me because we were only 6 people in our office and I was the youngest, so there was not much opportunity to socialise. However, we did have dinner together round our bosses house and a colleague's house. I explored Paris a lot and so my boss came along with me a couple of times to museums.

Very expensive! But it was to be expected being in the Parisian area. SIG were good to me because I got paid well for an intern and they paid for my journey out there and my return.

There was no nightlife :( If I wanted to go out it was in Paris and that was too far for me to go alone at night. Luckily I rented a room in a French family's house and their children took me out a couple of times.

I managed to find a gym and swimming pool so that was nice but there wasn't much other choice.