R&D Intern Review

It is down to me what i do on a daily basis, as long as i deliver on my project and the longer term deadlines. I have may internal and external meetings, depending on the stages of my project. I am responsible for managing my own time and making sure provide my deliverables however i do have support from my team and am able to hand off work if my work load is too much.

I have developed my technical knowledge through creating internal connections with experts in the field. They have supported me in planning my future career and providing insights into the steps i need to take to achieve my goals. I have also had the opportunity to attend conference's in my field of study to connect with professors and gain further insights into routes i would like to take in my field. Further, i have been on numerous training courses, a mix of business skills (e.g. leadership) and technical skills such as mini-tab workshops and workshops with equipment manufacturers to learn how to use the equipment to their full capabilities.

I was given ownership of my own project, therefore i have had full responsibility of deciding end goals, deadlines and what topic i would like to investigate. I have been primary author on all the reports needed, and have been given full credit for the achievements of the project. Further to this, i have also been exposed to other projects in my team where i have had responsibilities to deliver on parts of their projects, whilst having continuous support from my team to ensure my work load isnt too much.

I have received all the support i need throughout this year, i have had 3 managers however the team i have been in was constant and they all supported me through the changes. The handover between managers has been seamless, with HR and team support to help me settle. I have also had access to a mentor and buddy outside my team who support me on personal development and any worries i have had with the change of line managers. Everyone at BAT has been supportive, with people outside my team lending support, even senior mangers.

The company culture and atmosphere is very friendly, with everyone being supportive and also fun. My team have a monthly happy hour where we go to the local pub after work for casual catch ups. My smaller team also have monthly meetings where we discuss our project updates and go off site for lunch. We also have more casual seasonal events such as a Halloween and Easter theme bake off, and team building days where we go off site. In general the culture is great, with a gym and social events.

I have had a really enjoyable year, with my personal development being developed more then i ever expected. I would love to come back to this company once i have finished my education. The team i was in this year was amazing, and all my expectations were met and exceeded.

Yes

The interview process was tough, with it being online it was easier then other interviews where they have been in person. The assessment centre was also tough, with leadership being assessed in ways i wouldn't have thought. Advice i would give would be: create as many connections as possible, as everyone is friendly you should add them on linkedin and create as many connections as possible. Also reach out to people outside your team, and if you find areas you want to work in outside your team, ask your line manager to spend some time with other teams.