Business Operations Intern Review

I do work with analysis, territory modelling, pipeline data quality and help orchestrate the development initiatives. Generally speaking, this is working with spreadsheets/ PowerPoint/ presenting and analytics. I have assisted with account research (for example selecting new accounts to come on board). In addition, I have helped with account prospecting. Account prospecting refers to the considerations that go in when determining if there is scope to sell into an account. This aspect requires a lot of research and presenting back to the team.

I have developed my Excel skills a lot throughout this year. I had listed on my CV previously that I was proficient, but there is a lot I did not know. I have become more confident in using what I already knew as well taking on new knowledge that I can hopefully use when I return to university. I was always okay at presenting, but I have found my confidence and enjoyment of it to have increased. I get less nervous and do a better job- which is super helpful too.

Yes I was given more responsibility as it went on. In the beginning, I would work alongside people but towards the end I was asked to do a lot more on my own. I would be providing the figures to be presented at management/ director level and also helping to prepare the slides/ content. At no point did this feel overwhelming though, and I always had people on hand to help if I got stuck on anything.

I was given as much support and guidance as I needed. It was a fantastic balance. When I needed support there were always people there- everyone was very kind and eager to help. However, I also felt that I was left alone to get on with things too- it was not like I was being micromanaged. As well as this, we had guidance calls with my managers weekly. This was to ensure that I was happy and enjoying the work I was doing.

Everyone that I met was very helpful and kind to me. I was worried the atmosphere might be competitive, but it really wasn't- much more of a team minded culture. There was also a lot of scope to get involved in things outside of my day job. In fact, it was actively encouraged. I helped out with the Women in Leadership group as well as accumulating about 50 hours of volunteering work. The nature of the volunteering was varied, despite it being virtual, and it was actively encouraged that we get involved.

I really enjoyed my placement because of my managers making it exactly what I asked for. I was lucky to have a very broad role with scope to tailor it more to my interests. At the beginning my managers asked me my expectations and goals for the year and then they helped to work with me to achieve these. There were some aspects that I enjoyed less, but overall I really enjoyed it. I would say most of this came from networking and getting involved in projects all over the business.

Yes

It is actually a lot less corporate an atmosphere than you might think and so it is genuinely better to come across as your authentic self in the interview process. Yes, it is important to maintain a level of professionalism and put your best foot forward, but a lot of the selection process involves whether they think you would be a good colleague. This includes being attentive, polite and looking like you want to be there.