UKI Indirect Networking Sales Intern Review

As a Sales Support intern, the role is very varied. Day-to-day tasks include forecasting calls, preparing sellout and pipeline files, supporting with Sales Force (the online sales platform) and other stretch projects. The role requires good communication with all of the Sales Team to enable them to reach their goals. Very little of my internship year has been administrative tasks with a huge amount requiring basic sales knowledge, which can be developed over the year.

In the past year, I have dramatically developed my communication skills, to be more relevant to a professional environment. This links to my networking skills which I have also built upon due to the workplace I have been in. I think it is important to note that my excel skills have also improved massively over the past year. Analysis and critical thinking has also become a very important skill for me in this role, as you must be able to understand the reports you provide to the team.

HPE as a whole provides Early Careers with a huge level of responsibility. The number of interns, in particular, in HPE highlights the dependency the company has on them. Weekly tasks, such as forecasting, do not occur without the interns in the business and impact the company as a whole. However, the company is happy to invite you to take on more tasks, with great responsibility, if you wish, including hiring your replacement intern which is brilliant to get involved in, to see the other side of the hiring process.

Support and guidance is easily available due to the size of the company. So many members of staff also first entered the company as early careers; including interns, apprentices or grads so appreciate and understand the job you do. As a result, everyone I have reached out to has been very friendly and helpful. Mentors provide help and advice if you do not wish to go to your manager; including often graduate mentors who can help with career development.

HPE and Aruba are passionate at developing their culture. There is a huge focus on Early Careers and developing and maintaining talent within the company. Both companies put a huge focus on helping everyone which ensures the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. From some points of view, I have been at a disadvantage as I have worked from home throughout my entire placement. However, the culture virtually has been very friendly and supportive as employees understand that onboarding virtually to a new role is not easy.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my internship. I think that irrelevant of my virtual experience I have been lucky enough to be welcomed into a very friendly team. Although, parts of my internship could have perhaps been more enjoyable if in person (ie. social aspects, socialising with other interns) I understand this was unavoidable and not HPE/Aruba's fault. My virtual experience on a whole has been very successful and enjoyable and I do highly recommend a pavement at HPE or Aruba; whether you have a particular interest in tech or not.

Yes

I think it is very important to not eliminate this placement year if you do not have a passion for tech as the majority of placements offered at HPE are in sales support. The wide range of opportunities cater for multiple personalities; talk to the hiring managers about other roles as these may suit your personality better. The opportunities for career progression, networking and developing your skills are endless; as a result, take every opportunity.