Research & Development Intern Review

My role involved assisting the team on a variety of their projects. This included extracting and analysing data, inputting data, completing user acceptance tests of new systems, and communicating with stakeholders. It also involved practical elements, running small scale experiments in the food lab. Day-to-day usually involved working in the lab in the mornings, weighing out, mix making or assessing products. This was followed by team meetings, and working on the more computer based elements of the role, such as data projects or stakeholder involvement.

The role developed my existing organisational and time-management skills, as the team allow you to create your own schedule and manage your own workload. It has also made me more efficient using computer systems, such as excel. I further developed my communication skills, learning new skills on how to best interact with other internal teams, as well as external stakeholders. This also contributed to building confidence in myself and my skills. Completely new skills included learning how to run practical, lab-based experiments, and how to carry out user acceptance testing.

Definitely! Although the role was supporting on projects that others were leading, I was given responsibility for key elements of these projects. This included collecting data, creating documents to send to stakeholders, being given a specific supplier to work on independently, and running elements of practical experiments without direct supervision. As the internship went on, responsibility was increased, with the role in these projects developing. Additionally, new projects were introduced to help develop more skills and independence in the role.

The support and guidance during my internship has been above and beyond my expectations! Everyone working at this site is willing to spare time to chat to you, provide advice, support and point you in the right direction. This not only included my direct team but everyone else working there. I had an incredibly supportive line manager and also a separate, dedicated mentor. Both of these I met on a regular basis to check-in, discuss projects, see how I was coping and what could be put in place to support me going forward. There is also lots of digital support and guidance available, through teams channels, communications, dedicated guides, etc.

Friendly, fun, inclusive! The atmosphere at our site was incredibly friendly, open and welcoming. Everyone seemed happy in their jobs. There was an inclusive atmosphere and it felt like you were included straight away. It was also incredibly social. There were a wide variety of clubs and societies you could get involved with (both inside and outside of work). It also seemed to be important to stop and take a break at lunch time, with almost everyone stepping away from their desks to go and socialise with their team or wider colleagues to eat, get fresh air and take some time to reboot for the rest of the day.

I loved my placement! I really liked the variety of my role, having both practical and computer based elements gave me the best of both worlds and has enabled me to build a wide range of skills. I also appreciated how friendly and inclusive it was - I feel part of a wider team who really care and look out for each other.

Yes

Be your true self! They value everyone for who they are and what they can bring to the team, and are happy to make adjustments to help you bring your best self to work. Be open and willing to learn. Have some examples you can draw upon in the interview to show how you have demonstrated skills that are key to the role.