Intern Review

I really enjoyed working for BSH. It was a beneficial place to work, both for my development in the workplace and socially. Everyone I worked with was kind and always happy to help or answer a question. I feel as though I have learnt a lot working for BSH and I have been very happy with all the work I have been asked to do. BSH looked after their interns extremely well, especially during the pandemic when lots of interns were losing their placements.

As soon as I had done some work and proved that I was capable of completing what they needed me to, I felt extremely valued and trusted. I really felt like a part of the time, just as much as any colleague, I don't think anyone really sees a difference between interns and full time staff, we're all treated equally and just as respected. My colleagues valued my opinions and ideas right from the beginning.

I had both my manager and my supervisor. They both treated me with such kindness and respect throughout my whole placement. They always welcomed my ideas and encouraged me to state them. If I had worked on something or come up with an idea, I was always given credit for them and encouraged to speak up about them. I knew I could always contact them, even if they were not in the office. If I ever needed time with them it was booked in immediately.

This was really up and down. Especially in the beginning, it was harder because I couldn't do much on my own, so there were periods when I didn't have a lot to do. However, I always communicated if I was running out of work and I was normally given something to do immediately. There were other times when I was extremely busy, however everyone was very understanding if I took longer to deliver tasks in busier times.

Pretty much from the first week I was given big projects to work on by myself, and tasked with presenting to high up people in the company. I was taken into big meetings with important people and encouraged to give my viewpoint. I was never given typical intern busy work, and was treated the same as anyone else. I was trusted to represent the views of my team in meetings, answer questions and give feedback to other departments.

I haven't returned to University yet, but when I do I know I will bring forward a lot that I have learnt from BSH. Particularly, presentation skills, Excel skills and communication skills. I have also learnt the value of having a structured day, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and completing tasks to short deadlines. I have also developed my confidence during this year, I have more confidence in my own ideas and abilities, which will definitely help me in the future.

My office was quiet when everyone was getting work done, which I liked and responded well to. But we would also often have chats and socialise with each other about work and our lives. It was a very comfortable and productive atmosphere. Team and collaborative work was definitely encouraged within my team, and I felt comfortable asking anyone in my office for their help. The rest of the building was very similar, and everyone was always welcoming and friendly when you walked through.

My internship was very well planned, in terms of my training and progression. However, a lot of the plans couldn't be completed due to the pandemic, and everyone working from home. However, even during the uncertain times, I always had work to do and was confident in my position. At the beginning of my placement I was told what training I would do, a 6 month plan, Key Performance Indicators and dates for my performance reviews.

A few of the training courses were cancelled due to the pandemic. However, we had a few training courses just for us interns which were very useful. We also had induction days and training for the specific brands. My department also invested a lot of time in me in the beginning, I had one to one meetings with all of the key people I would be working with throughout the year, which was very useful.

There is a chance to be employed as a graduate, however, beyond that I'm not entirely sure how you wold progress in the company - as it doesn't seem that people move up a lot or have a clear path from employee to manager, for example.

A lot of the interns live in student houses nearby, so it's easy to socialise with each other. BSH also put on a few events to get to know each other and work together.

Pretty standard for the South East, Milton Keynes has lots of chains so it doesn't have to be too expensive, and it does not cost much to get to Milton Keynes from Wolverton.

Pretty standard for a large town. There isn't much in Wolverton but there's a fair amount in Milton Keynes.

There are a few things going on after work, such as yoga, but not much.