Finance Intern Review

Has been a great time and would not mind continuing to work rather than returning to university.

I became a valued member of the team and also outside the team by becoming involved in volunteer programs and sporting events.

In my first 6 months I had a final rotation graduate as a dotted line manager who supported and held regular formal and informal reviews. After he moved on and I was given more responsibility I reported to my direct manager (senior CFO) and she continued the reviews on a formal basis.

The majority of the time the balance was perfect however due to the nature of the job and financial calendar there were a few weeks when I was extremely and a few when there was a not much work.

I was very fortunate with the timing of my placement. When I joined, the company was undergoing a large reorganisation which i was able to get involved in. My manager then received a promotion and due to a headcount freeze at the company was not able to bring in a finance manager. Hence i took on a lot of the work a finance manger would and managed a base cost portfolio for WE (Western Europe) and NATP (North Africa, Turkey and Pakistan) Energy HQ totalling over $40MM.

I believe the work ethic installed in me will be applicable to when I return to my degree study. Beyond my degree we received numerous trainings ranging from how to present to managing your digital footprint.

I worked within a very small team consisting of only 3 other people so it was quiet around me but there were a number of other interns and graduates working within the building and we all got on really well.

From first day to last I had no problems

I was able to attend training courses on different systems and platforms which were paid for by the company (including the TnL). There were numerous wide ranging events to develop your self both professionally and personally with exposure to senior leadership

The FMP (Financial Management Program) is a highly regarded 2 year graduate scheme with 2x6months spent on rotations abroad. From a personal point of view I would like to pursue a career in a specialised branch of finance which although available within the company after the FMP program I would achieve faster career progression if I applied to another company whom specialise in this area.

There are a number of other interns and gradutes and we had numerous 'socials'. The company also paid for 5-a-side football and rugby pitch hire.

Based half an hour from central London hence prices higher significantly then university.

I chose to be located walking distance from work where there was no nightlife. A lot of interns choose to live a 20 minute train journey from the office in Reading where there is a lot of nightlife.

As mentioned above there were opportunities to participate in football and rugby which were provided free of charge by work. I then also joined the local cricket team and gym.