Asset Strategy Intern Review

Consistently exceeded my expectations and having worked in other sectors, working in the gas industry was very enjoyable.

I had been introduced to or met everyone in my department (20-30 people) within the first week and although the level of contact between all of them was varied and with some minimal, my immediate team was very close to me and always cheerful.

My line manager saw me on a daily basis for a minute or two just to make sure I had enough on my plate to be getting on with or to make sure that any project work I had was still keeping me ticking over. He generally had quite a few things in his mind lined up for me had I completed any work/project work.

I always had between 1-4 tasks going on at work, any less and I would obviously be bored and any more would have been excessive. On average, during the placement I had 2 projects going on at any time

I was always given meaningful tasks to do that impacted work further along the chain, but my key projects were important/pivotal on their own.

The level of commercial awareness I have gained from working in an engineering head office environment will stay with me for the foreseeable future as it has given me a great insight.

The atmosphere is very relaxed, complimented by the so-called newly fitted 'smart' workplaces in the head office. They promote a relaxed environment and they have successfully achieved one. There is a good balance between hard work and general workplace banter.

I was told with only two weeks to go what my location was, thus constraining me, however when I was informed of the location, it could not have been any better! 15mins from my house is fantastic. Aside from being given short notice on my location, all other matters were straightforward and well-organised.

They allowed me to go on numerous site visits over the 3 months (about 5 in total), a talk on high pressure gas mains and off-site educational visits to maintenance sites and facilities to see their distribution assets being repaired. They were very informative and a great change of work environment.

I have been invited to an early graduate assessment centre, which is positive news.

There were a lot of other interns at the head office and they were generally keen on socialising/meeting up after work on fridays.

Typical midlands town cost of living, quite low in comparison to cities.

Weekends were okay, weeknights not so much, although during october- June, leamington spa is a student town and is busy most nights of the week, which is great.

Other interns were all quite keen on meeting up after work and during the weekends.