Training and Development Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement year at Porsche Cars GB. Despite being an intern, I was trusted with various responsibilities, which not only allowed for my confidence to grow, but I also learnt what I was capable of achieving, whilst always having a supportive and knowledgeable team to fall back on in case of any challenges. I not only enjoyed the work aspect of the job, but Porsche are keen to create a friendly and inclusive workplace, making the office very social and supportive.

Within my smaller, direct team, I was often reminded how valued my role was to the team. In team meetings I would always be asked for my opinion, and for my input, continuously making me feel a valued part of the team. I had monthly feedback meetings with my Manager, and he would always ask if there was anything that could be done to improve my role. I also felt valued within the wider staff. Everyone in the office was extremely friendly and helpful, and always took the time to help or have a chat.

I had continuous guidance from my Manager. This was helped by the fact that we sat on desks next to each other, so he was literally next to me whenever I needed help or support. Similarly, the team that I supported would always ask for feedback, which allowed for me to express when I felt as though I needed more support, and this was always reciprocated. Furthermore, HR organised numerous training days, which covered all aspects of the business; from presentation skills, to Finance support.

Within my particular role, work would fluctuate according to how busy the entire network was. I had daily, weekly and monthly tasks that had to be completed by a deadline, so when those tasks had to be done, I would be very busy. Similarly, if that month had a substantial amount of training to be organised, I would be very busy. However, as is the case for most jobs, there were times where I would have completed all of my tasks for that day, and I would therefore help a colleague as I didn't have too much to do.

Despite being the Intern, I was given a lot of responsibility from the beginning. I was responsible for the organisation of every training course that would run for the year that I was there, whilst also handling the teams Finance, raising PO's and invoices, and ensuring that the billing for each of the forty four centres was correct each month. My biggest responsibility during my year at Porsche was planning the Taycan launch that was held in Mallorca. It was my responsibility to organise flights and accommodation along with the days events for over 500 attendees.

I believe that the skills I have learnt and built on during my year at Porsche will have a positive influence over not only my final year at University, but also they are skills that will allow me to be more successful in all aspects of my life after Porsche. Simple skills such as email etiquette have allowed for me to feel more comfortable/confident when conversing with colleagues, which I will definitely use in future jobs. Similarly, I have, over the year improved skills such as time keeping and organisation, which will assist me in the future. Overall, I have grown in confidence during my placement year, and I am incredibly grateful for having experienced this opportunity.

The atmosphere of the office was open and friendly. Managers had an 'open door' policy/approach, which was very reassuring, especially in the early part of the role. The layout of the office was open plan, and it was easy to communicate with others around you, making for a relaxed, laid back atmosphere. Another great aspect of the office was the communal canteen. Everyone would eat lunch together and socialise, which created a nice escape from what could potentially be a stressful day.

One of the best aspects of the set up was the handover period between my predecessor and I. This two week period allowed me to learn everything I needed to know under the helpful supervision of my predecessor and wider team. It was apparent that a lot of organisation and time had gone into the preparation of the interns arrival, and this led to a successful handover, which allowed for me to feel more comfortable when the time came for me to be left to get on with it myself.

I feel as though the company invested in myself and the other interns to a large extent. Even to the point that the company employed masseuses to provide weekly massage sessions to help with stress. The Facilities team also organise regular 'mindfulness' sessions, whereby they would take the time to provide sessions which would help with stress and mental health in general. Finally, HR organised for a personal trainer to provide sessions every week. Porsche invested in us significantly.

The prospect of a future career at Porsche is very appealing. I have thoroughly enjoyed my year at Porsche, and would have loved to continue working there after graduating. Despite this, I know that Porsche doesn't provide a graduate scheme, so it would have to be a higher role. This being said, I believe that Porsche would provide great prospects for future roles. Obviously if an opportunity arose, allowing for me to be employed there again I would definitely accept.