IT Analyst Intern Review

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my placement with National Grid. It was particularly great for me to see real investment and structure offered to the student programs. For Instance, the first week consisted entirely of training at National Grid's dedicated training center - where we were provided with excellent accommodation and food. The first day in the office consisted of being immediately involved in a project that felt both engaging and worthwhile. Throughout the placement I felt as though I was accommodated in every way - with the opportunity to work from home when appropriate e.g when I had a doctors appointment. I was also offered opportunities to visit different departments, sites and NG locations which I found incredibly rewarding. There were some initial challenges I faced such as payroll, which meant a short delay in when I was paid - however this was resolved promptly and those involved worked tirelessly toward the solution. Furthermore some Formal Training was promised via the role profile, however due to reasons I do sympathies with this was not delivered - it definitely feels that this is the exception with NG, as everyone else I have spoken to has communicated their countless opportunities to engage with formal training. At times I have also struggled slightly with clear direction regarding deliverables, although this can also be seen as good learning experience for myself in defining objectives and communicating with management.

By far one of the biggest compliments I can give National Grid is in this regard, without exception I have felt entirely valued by all colleagues I have personally interacted, I have never found an instance where a colleague was unwilling to give time to assist, instruct or collaborate - and this ranges all the way up the UK CIO who made us feel very welcome and valued as interns.

Support and Guidance was given in a number of different areas. The main points of contacts were: An Academy Trainer, A Business Coordinator and Placement Manager. My Academy trainer was very helpful, motivating and a pleasure to work with - however sometimes it did feel as though their workload made it difficult to contact them especially as they were based in a different office. My business coordinator was fantastic, as they were based in the same office they were always available and made sure to check in with interns at least once a week. At one point in my internship I struggled with anxiety over an upcoming review and they were extremely reassuring and calming when I was dealing with this. My Placement managers were both brilliant people to work for, they immediately granted me the freedom to work independently and responsibly. At times it felt difficult to have clear objectives - however this was improved immensely as time went on.

The amount of work I had at any time was quite consistent. Importantly, I cannot recall at time were I was particularly over burdened with too much work - and on the flip side I never felt as though I had nothing to do. The only slight downside I might identify is that I struggled with priority across different deliverables.

The level of responsibility given to me during my placement was excellent It felt almost as though I was treated with a level of responsibility beyond what I would have expected as intern - which I found exceedingly motivational. Managers seemed confident to set objectives and check in occasionally, it never felt as though I was being micro-managed whatsoever.

For the most part the role I was put into is not all that relevant to my current degree and studies. However, I have received some excellent O365 training which will be utilized fully now that my university is using the platform. Skills I have developed that I think will benefit me greatly in my future career include presenting, office working, networking, hosting and participating in meetings and many other administrative office based tasks. The main objective of my placement however, whilst enjoyable for the duration of my placement is not something I think would pursue long term.

There is a great atmosphere in the office - the environment feels professional but at the same time relaxed to a point that makes you feel comfortable. Its nice to see that around a desk you can keep busy for the majority of the time but then also enjoy small conversation here and there. Regular breaks from looking at laptops screens are encouraged so I have never felt as though my eyes are strained. There is a company wide hot desking policy in place, meaning that the majority of staff do not have a designated desk. At first I was somewhat apprehensive of working this way - although I turned out to enjoy the freedom to sit where was convenient on a day by day basis. There are even quiet areas where you can work in silence undisturbed if required.

As I have previously outlined I think the overall structure of the placement scheme was very well organised once it had commenced. The only issues that I have mentioned being the formal training failing to be delivered and my issues with the payroll. Prior to enrolling, the application process was at times very long winded and laborious. At certain stages I was promised a response before being told I would need to wait longer to see if I had progressed to the next stage. I believe I was only told less than a week before that I would be attending the assessment center - which was difficult whilst still being at university. Furthermore, after the assessment center applicants were told we know a result within two weeks, though I had to wait three weeks to find out that I was successful.

The entire first week of the placement consisted of training/inductions at National Grid's training center in Eakring. This was extremely beneficial and gave us a good start before beginning work at the office. This training included personal development training - which helped develop skills such as presenting, communicating, and setting goals and development objectives for ourselves. Unfortunately as the formal training as part of my role didn't go ahead this let this factor down somewhat.

The future employment prospects for myself are very good. Particular as I have been offered a graduate position as result of my performance whilst on my internship. Having spoken to the current employees participating in the graduate scheme, the scheme looks fantastic in a number of ways, including three 6 month long placements and a number of benefits.

From the first training week in Eakring, there was a great social scene amongst all the students on various different schemes. During training the students would have dinner together, then socialise at the on-site bar or walk to the local pub in the village. Beyond that there was also a outing on a friday night to Birmingham, and towards the end of the placement an afternoon after work spent at an Escape Room.

As I have a driving license and my own vehicle it was not necessary for me to live in the area that the placement was based. I lived at home with my parents around 28 miles from the site - I found the commute across the M42/M40 normally not too bad considering normally driving during rush hour traffic. Having ventured into Leamington once or twice It did not seem overly expensive regarding socializing compared to what I am already used to.

Unfortunate as I did not live in the area where my placement was based I did not get to experience the Nightlife personally. Having spoken to other interns/colleagues I have heard that it is somewhat adequate for a town but for a real nightlife experience you would most likely head into Birmingham.

I was involved in a couple of different activities outside of work, we met once at a nice pub near a canal for a drink/food. As previously mentioned there was also an outing to Birmingham and an escape room in Leamington. Furthermore myself and the other interns got involved in a "Community Action Day" which involved us helping out at a community garden center for a day - which was very rewarding.