Exploration Geoscientist Intern Review

Great opportunity, helpful and hard working team. A good balance of guidance and independent responsibilities.

Kind and helpful work colleagues but due to technical inexperience in comparison can often feel like you are not necessarily adding value to a team project.

Both mentors and supervisors provided their valuable time and feedback whilst working toward deadlines. In addition coworkers and team members contributed and gave guidance.

Due to the nature of the projects there would often be periods of heavy workloads followed by several days of waiting for software licenses/approvals. However, By being proactive and attending meetings and events outside of the general project schedule, a busy and varied schedule can be maintained. Yet there was rarely a need to work over the required daily hours.

Work was conducted individually and independently with weekly or bi weekly check up sessions. An intern isn’t expected to be able to get on with work or a project with absolutely no guidance but independent and creative workflows are encouraged to develop your own opinions and allow freedom with your work.

Skills obtained on my university course were critical for day to day activities, and developed further by working on this internship. Personal skills such as time keeping, independent responsibility and multitasking were developed and are essential to not only any further degrees or work but also in everyday life. Advanced geological interpretation techniques were taught and developed on the course which will no doubt be applicable for further studies.

Productive and friendly atmosphere. Always people moving around and discussing problems and helping each other out throughout the day. Not a stressful atmosphere and communal areas were well utilized during lunch breaks and team meetings. Surrounded by a lot of talented and experienced individuals so it was an interesting workplace to be placed in.

Due to a change in the internships structure and management during my year there were several issues that developed during the internships regarding the overall process, supervision and deliverables. However they were always quickly resolved and had no major issues in the long run. A greater degree of communication from HR throughout would be beneficial

Throughout the entire process I felt like the company was heavily investing in my future and developing my skills. Both in a industry sense (how the company operates, where I fit in the grand scheme etc) and academic sense (encouraging attendance at conferences, contractor visits and team meetings). Team members always willing to teach you concepts and discuss what they are working on.

It feels throughout that the placement is aiming to prepare you for a full time role should you choose to work for the company. Often reminded of the perks and benefits of joining. Meetings arranged with recent hires to discuss the graduate roles available and their experiences, a aspect that was incredibly useful.

Due to the very small number of interns/students on the placement the social scene is somewhat lacking. However the monthly events are worth attending and were a great chance to get to know colleagues in an informal environment. Due to the office I worked in being separate from the main office (with most of the interns) I felt somewhat disconnected from the main student scene.

Lived at home whilst working on the placement. London is very expensive to live and socialize however and the company make good provision to ensure you are financially equipped to live comfortably in the area if needed. Social events are often covered by the company so not a significant financial burden.

Canary Wharf and the greater London area is well renowned for its great bars and restaurants, places I have been with both colleagues and friends. This was great for bonding with coworkers and letting off steam after work. Within the working week there isn’t always time due to many colleagues commuting or having families but the occasional Friday evening drinks were very enjoyable.

Whilst undertaking my internship many activities and group events were advertised such as community outreach, team building and celebratory team lunches. I was also able to attend a few different conferences along with their associated social and networking events. Highlights included the field trips to various locations within the UK.