This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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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
This job is a mixture of very interesting activities and certain more mundane tasks. However, one can expect that with almost every type of job. Although the majority of tasks are very pro-active, interesting and diverse, some tasks can be a little tedious.
I wouldn't say my colleagues treated me as part of their family but you get an overwhelming sense of belonging, recognition and respect from other colleagues - without exception.
Every individual in HP can ask for ask much support as they need (within reason). Therefore the level of support depends on that individual. They throw you into the deep end, but once you know who to speak to regarding any issues you may be having - it's more than manageable.
Workload comes in peaks and although there are often tight deadlines, I haven't yet missed one. Managing your time is an essential skill in this position and those who struggle to prioritise and manage their time effectively will encounter issues.
The level of responsibility given was a little less than what I expected, but it was still fairly high. This level of responsibility would vary depending on my assignments as well.
Everything I have learned in this job is invaluable. The majority of skills that I have acquired will be essential in my future career. Additionally, if you think you are good at something (presentation, inter-personal skills etc) this is a good test for what you can really do.
The Company
Very formal, you get an occasional cake sale or birthday celebration but usually very quiet and formal - which is appropriate. You come to work to work, if you can have fun whilst doing it that's fine, but you have to bear in mind that people try to work there.
There is a month's handover by previous interns who try to explain everything they have learned and help you with the transition both in and out of work. This is invaluable as it helps you understand the requirements of your job better and you get that initial support, which is necessary.
I was on a week's training course in Barcelona and I am sure more training courses will come before I finish my placement. You are free to take as many of the online courses available as you like and you may ask your manager for other paid courses if you feel they will benefit you. Put simply, there is more training available than you can handle.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
International Travel
In terms of how appealing they are - quite appealing. Will I get a job with them? - Probably not. There are many factors that determine whether you get a job with HP after you completed your internship and few people get a job offer after completing their internship. As an intern, you are fast tracked to the assessment centre of the application process if you decide to come back.
The Culture
With over 50 interns in one office - the social side to work is amazing. It is very much like university.
Being from the North, living in Reading was a little more expensive than I expected. However, with this salary you can afford to go out a few times a month.
Decent and pretty pubs and clubs around.
From helping the community to various charity events, the opportunities are countless.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
Marketing
South West
June 2014