This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
-
The Company
-
The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I thoroughly enjoyed my placement in Colgate-Palmolive. Every day was challenging and different with new people to liase with and exciting tasks to carry out. My colleagues were very friendly and understanding and made me feel at ease with both the work and the business environment
On a daily basis I was a valued member of the team given actual beneficial pieces of work, never was I given meaningless menial tasks.
I was thrown into the deep end from the very beginning, although daunting, I found this approach successful. After a very brief introduction period, the think on your feet approach helped me grasp important concepts quickly allowing me to engage in my project with my team very quickly.
I went through periods of pressure with luming deadlines and other periods were I was able to relax more and work at a more even pace. This was both exciting and challenging, and in no way too much. The approach is more of a friendly, 'Ask for help and we will help and delegate' system which is fair and helpful.
I was always treated as a valuable member of the team and given important tasks.
Colgate-Palmolive provided me with a uinque and a highly beneficial experience. My placement was split into two six month cycles in two different categories, giving myself a broad and expansive overview of the organisation and its processess. I was given valuable know therefore in multiple areas, usual for you to recieve.
The Company
I was relaxed and friendly, no one was unapproachable.
From the beginning I was very clear on who I needed to go to for help. I also had fortnightly meetings with my team lead to discuss issues, as well as a mentor to help me through my placement process. Another support network they provided was two intern coordinators which held monthly meetings where we discuss personal information, current roles and responsibilities and upcoming intern activities.
I was constantly given on the job training in areas I had never experienced providing invaluable experience.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
Working from home
It was evident that Colgate see their interns as future employees and over my placement have met 6+ employees who had been previous interns.
The Culture
The interns would have lunch together every day, and weekly go on trips at lunchtime to other restaurants, no on the business campus. The interns also got the sports and social club for free and was able to experience many different activities and opportunities, such as; Skiing, Shows, treasure hunts, comedians, golfing etc. There was a great friendly feel among the group where we would go on nights out together, however this could differ between different countries.
I did find Dublin to be quite expensive and the pay generally covered my needs.
I lived in the city which allowed myself to experience the buzz of the city, however the business campus itself was based outside of the city. This was not an issue as the red luas brought you straight to the business campus without a worry.
The sports and social club, colgates company organised events and charity events were excellent sources of fun outside of the daily work structure.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Business Operations, Information Technology
International
January 2013