Cruse trading operations intern Review

I couldn’t speak higher of BP and the people I met whilst I was there! I was extremely lucky to be given a company that invested so much time and support in helping make the most of my internship and truly take full advantage of the opportunity.

The employees treated me like I had been there the whole time; I was involved in meetings, team discussions, lunches and day-day conversations. I was treated like an adult even though I was the youngest. The work I was given was valuable and I was constantly asked for feedback on ways I thought they could improve showing they valued me and my opinion.

During my internship every Friday or Monday I had a meeting with my supervisors to see how I was getting on / coping. I was constantly asked if there were any areas of the business I wanted to explore and given the contact information of anyone that would be useful to speak to.

I had 3 projects to complete during my time there to ensure that I always had work to do. The tasks, although challenging, helped me gain a good insight into the business, with value to the company. At the start I had less work but this was as I was getting to know the business and learning the information I needed in order to complete my tasks.

I was given the right balance of responsibility and support. I was able to manage my time and priorities, arrange meetings with new people and expand my networks but was given all the tools needed in order to be independent.

I have been able to develop / learn many transferable skills. My confidence has increased massively along with my problem solving ability, organisation skills, presentation skills; the list goes on. These skills will assist me in managing my time in the future, my ability to interact with others while working better under pressure. All things I will need in all areas and stages of my life.

As in every office there are days which people are slightly busier and the tension may be slightly higher! However there was not one time I felt uncomfortable or sat in complete silence. The overall atmosphere was always positive and chatty, which for me, was perfect and well suited to my personality.

I had an a printed sheet with all my workshops and meetings on along with an online calendar which also stated these times and dates with reminders so I wouldn’t forget. The coordinator would email us reminders to make sure we didn’t forget and everyone was always on time. I always knew where to be and when.

I had many skills workshops and trading games, excel training, meetings and presentation practise to help us develop our personal skills, our CVS, technology abilities and confidence. If we needed anything else all we had to do was ask and this was always encouraged

I am already looking into their apprenticeship scheme for after 6th form after multiple conversations regarding my interest in coming back to the company.

I was invited out on team lunches, and evening joining/leaving speeches of other colleagues. There were workshops in place where I got to interact with the other interns and formed a rather close friendship with a few of them.

Canary Wharf / London is an expensive area however it is not ridiculous prices. Pretty consistent with what you would find else where however may be slightly higher in certain products/services.

I was able to meet with friends from outside of my internship near my work. Canary Wharf is known to have a good nightlife with plenty of places to eat and drink.

Outside of the office there was a volleyball pit area which every so often would change activity. I was invited to play for the tag rugby team which is played against other companies.