Portfolio Associate Intern Review

I ended up in a different role to what I applied for so wasn't really sure what to expect but have really enjoyed the opportunity to try something new and develop new skills. Have enjoyed problem solving and collaborative aspects of the role and a great line manager and team has made it really enjoyable.

Everyone is really friendly, welcoming and helpful and it's a really great working environment. Everyone is keen to introduce themselves and explain their roles and are happy to offer shadowing opportunities when requested.

My line manager has been great and really accessible when I have needed her, but I've also been able to get on with my own work myself and not felt obliged to have to ask about every single detail.

Some days were quieter than others, sometimes I wouldn't have a huge amount of work on and would therefore find it hard to motivate myself to get through what tasks I did have. I never had nothing to do though and managed to use the time to brush up on skills useful to my role.

As time went on I was given responsibility to have 1 on 1 discussions with team members I needed to talk to without my manager there to help. I also helped implement a few changes myself and was responsible for giving an online instruction session with a team to show them how to do things.

I think I've developed some really good skills being here, particularly in relation to data handling and database management. I have learned a huge amount about the area of work and business operations roles in general and I have a lot of really solid examples to give in interviews in the future.

Really nice office environment with lots of friendly people and lots of snacks.

Pretty well set up overall although quite a delay in hearing about interviews during the initial application process. Great to have a cohort of people to meet from across the charity as otherwise you only really know people in your section. A few useful development sessions set up as well.

The charity is really good for making everyone do a personal development review with their line manager which is really useful to get feedback on your performance. We also had 1:1 sessions on intern development with a member of HR.

It doesn't fit in with my current plans but I would definitely consider returning if I decide I want to work in London.

Formed a good friendship group with other interns which was really interesting to learn about other roles across the charity. We went out for drinks together almost every week. Would sometimes go out for drinks with people in my team every now and again and had summer and Christmas parties.

We managed to find some drinks deals on apps when we went out as interns and I was really lucky to be able to stay in a friend's room while she was away so wasn't paying full London prices but London is very expensive compared to anywhere else.

Went for drinks straight after work but never went out late near work as was far away from home. Nice choice of bars though.

Not a huge amount although I think there is a netball team and a choir in the charity that I know of and I think people are setting up other societies since our office move.