Strategy and Business Management Consulting Intern Review

The internship role for Siemens Advanta Consulting in the UK did not have an established structure, and my role and responsibilities varied depending on ad hoc projects. Typically, I would filter and prioritise public tenders, carry out industry and company research, and support senior consultants on projects where needed.

It has been useful to apply the skills learnt at university in a professional setting, specifically around research, presentations and problem solving. I have definitely increased my knowledge around technology and understanding of specific industries.

You do not get much responsibility in this role. Tasks are more administrative and supportive. I was interning for over 2 years and had to really push to be assigned work with greater responsibility.

My manager was a fantastic mentor and always supportive of me. I think I was lucky though to have them as my manager. The actual internship programme is unstructured and there is not the same support or opportunities given as individuals on the Graduate programme receive.

I joined Siemens Advanta Consulting as an intern prior to the expansion of the UK side of the business, so it was only myself and my manager in GB&I. The culture in Germany, where most of Advanta's activities are based, felt disjointed from the UK.

My manager is what made my internship valuable. He pushed to include me in projects that I was interested in (with my background in sustainability), and was always keen to hear my ideas. The actual internship though is very unstructured, and you have to find work for yourself. I would have appreciated the same training, development and investment that those on the Graduate programme have access to.

No

Siemens do not use internships as a means of finding and retaining early career talent. Of my cohort of approx. 40 interns, I am one of only 2 that were kept on beyond the first year, and this was not in a permanent role, but rather as a temporary contract extension. If you are looking to build a career in Siemens there is much more security and support on the graduate scheme (graduates have a guaranteed role at the end and structured support and guidance throughout). As I was interning as a post-grad among mostly undergrads, it was disappointing to me to see the lack of opportunity for progression and retention.