Environment and Sustainability Intern Review

Daily tasks include: calculating Scope 3 emissions baselines; rolling out sustainability training to colleagues; supporting colleagues with volunteering; supporting small business suppliers on sustainability; championing sustainability with internal and external colleagues; conducting horizon scanning; and updating Power BI dashboards.

I have developed proficiency in the Microsoft suite - specifically Excel, Teams, Power BI, Power Apps, Outlook and PowerPoint. My communication skills have been enhanced through interacting with various colleagues across the business, and I have greatly improved my confidence through delivering presentations to large audiences both online and in-person. Finally, through having the opportunity to own my own projects, I have further developed my organisation and time-management skills.

Absolutely! The placements at Siemens are respected and comprehensive roles with specific responsibilities attached to them. You certainly are not just making cups of tea. My sustainability internship meant I owned the delivery of sustainability within that area of the business and thus was responsible for its success. Despite having the responsibility to own specific projects as an intern, you still receive sufficient support from managers and colleagues in order to succeed.

Plenty. It was clear from the start that all Siemens colleagues wanted you to achieve well and were willing to put in the time to help you do that. Not only were my direct managers supportive, I also felt I could go to colleagues in my wider circle to ask for advice, support, and guidance. Bi-annual feedback sessions with my managers meant I could report on what needed to change and they could adjust their style.

Very pleasant. Having worked in a quieter regional office during my placement, I noticed the culture and enthusiasm was perhaps slightly diluted from the excitement and buzz of the head office in Manchester. However, it was often nice to have a smaller network of people to interact with daily. Siemens have a Belonging Day each year which is entirely dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion which leads to a really welcoming workforce.

I loved my placement year with Siemens. My friends and family all remarked at various points throughout the year how much they felt I had grown in confidence as an individual. There is a wonderful community and network of early careers individuals, and senior leadership also take time to make you feel welcome and an integral part of the business. There is an early careers gala, a residential trip, and several training courses each year all dedicated just to supporting and celebrating early careers.

Yes

Research the area of the company that you are applying for. Siemens is huge and does so many different things so make sure you know what part you are hoping to work in. Interviews tend to be strength-based meaning they explore what your strengths are as an individual and what that can bring to the role. So make sure to champion yourself and your skills in your application. Finally, be yourself - the talent acquisition team celebrate individuality.