Data Specialist Intern Review

Willis Towers Watson included me in a variety of team meetings, introducing me to many colleagues. I gained an understanding of various teams within the discipline I applied for. One-on-one meetings with leaders from these teams allowed me to develop my understanding of the different roles each team fulfils within Willis Towers Watson and my understanding of how the company operates. Digital socials allowed me to get to know my colleagues in a less formal environment.

My line manager was very friendly, kind and helpful. The team trained me effectively in the first week despite having to work remotely. I was introduced to more and more colleagues each week in a staggered manner that allowed me to easily remember people's names without being overloaded. I received lots of feedback throughout the virtual internship during one-on-one meetings with my manager, who praised me for my efforts and provided helpful pointers if necessary.

I was trained by several different colleagues across different teams on how Willis Towers Watson operates, the company values, the roles each team plays in the company, and training on my specific role as a virtual intern. Despite the huge challenge caused by remote working, Willis Towers Watson overcame this using well designed and easy to use systems that allowed me to ask questions to my manager and other colleagues quickly when I required any help or support.

My virtual experience improved my digital skills, as I received training in the use of Outlook, Excel and Microsoft Teams. I also developed soft skills regarding interacting with colleagues in a polite and professional manner, as well as developing my understanding of finance in general. My time management and communication skills improved quickly during the virtual experience, and I was supported fully by my colleagues to organise my week appropriately before I was ready to organise my schedule more independently.

Willis Towers Watson carefully designed my virtual experience to allow me to 'find my feet.' In the first week I learned about the company values and how it operates. In the second week I was introduced to the work I would be doing and extensively supported. A colleague would check my work carefully to make sure I had done it correctly and would provide detailed and helpful feedback. Once I was confident, I received much more independence in my role.

Despite working remotely, I very much felt like part of the team at Willis Towers Watson. Remote socials brought the team together. Every colleague was very friendly and helpful. I never felt awkward or like an unwanted burden at any point during my virtual experience. There was a strong sense of togetherness within the company, and it was clear Willis Towers Watson was committed to supporting, educating and empowering employees.

I was invited to many different team meetings, allowing me to develop close relationships with colleagues in different teams in my department. This taught me about their roles in the company. I was trained in small groups with my manager and with other colleagues. I developed digital skills in Excel, Outlook and Microsoft Teams. I was also trained to use the intranet, pay systems and internal Willis Towers Watson data entry and submission systems. Company-wide lectures educated me about each major department.

Despite doing slightly different work to full time colleagues, my presence in many different team meetings educated me about different roles within my department in Willis Towers Watson. I was even allowed to listen to several meetings with important clients. This helped me develop an in depth understanding of the full time roles within the company. My colleagues also explained what the work is like during different times of the year, giving me a well rounded understanding.

I attended several training courses about the culture of Willis Towers Watson. I listened to presentations, engaged in discussions and completed online courses teaching the importance of such values to the company. This culture permeated into every team meeting I attended. Discussions were also held across various teams to assess the current culture and enrich it in order to remain fresh and up to date in the modern age. The company has a friendly and inclusive culture.

I developed an accurate understanding of the roles available within Willis Towers Watson and the roles offered to graduates. This helped me decide which roles appealed to me when deciding on my future career path. I also had an excellent understanding of the culture within Willis Towers Watson, which is a crucial factor when choosing any employer, especially at the start of one's career when you need to consider whether a company invests enough in its developing employees.

I was paid well for my role and also received employee benefits and leave.

There were lots of opportunities to meet members of different teams, including video meetings with team leaders.

Meetings with team leaders allowed me to talk to people from various different teams. They were socials each week online which allowed different teams to become acquainted with me.

Given the pandemic, there were naturally very few.

I would definitely recommend my virtual experience with Willis Towers Watson to a friend. I really felt like part of the team, I was trained well and given comfortable independence to do my work effectively. My manager and colleagues were all very kind, respectful and interesting. Every colleague I interacted with seemed invested in educating me about their role at Willis Towers Watson and were keen to answer any questions I could pose to them.