Web & DM Intern Review

I have loved every minute of working for National Instruments, the people have helped to make it a great experience and I have gotten so much out of my time here.

I was immediately made to feel like family from day one, all of the marketing team have been so supportive and I feel like I have made great friends.

I had weekly one-to-one's throughout my placement with my manager to discuss how I was doing, or if I needed any support, etc. I was also given a set of goals at the start of the year, which were reviewed throughout my time at National Instruments. Both my manager and the company played a big role in my personal development, which I don't think I could have gotten anywhere else.

Overall I was kept busy, especially when I was given more responsibility as time went on. At times the work load could be light, which is what I'd say is the only downside to my year at National Instruments. However, my manager was always active in giving me work to do.

For the second half of my placement I was given a huge amount of responsibility; looking after the promotion of the second biggest event of the year, as well as running the promotion of two webcast series, creating and developing customer-facing web and social media content etc. I was given responsibilities that are usually outside of the intern's role, which was a huge confidence boost and I have been able to learn so much!

I feel as though my placement has equipped me for work post-university far more than anything I learnt at university. I have developed both my personal and professional skills, which I wouldn't have been able to do if I hadn't completed a placement.

National Instruments have a work-hard play-hard culture, the marketing team never fail to work hard and get their jobs done but there's also a really friendly atmosphere. There has never been a dull day in the office.

National Instruments have been running a placement scheme for some years, so they're pretty good in recruiting and looking after their interns. Although I have never been made to feel like an intern.

The previous intern was there for two weeks at the beginning of my placement to train me. After that, the team were always on hand to answer any questions and I never felt as though I was on my own. I think I would have liked to have more responsibility earlier on, as it has been a much more valuable and enjoyable experience since then! My manager has been particularly good in making sure I'm happy and on the right track. If I ever felt like I didn't have enough work or was struggling with anything she would be there to help.

The marketing team are still fairly small and they don't currently have a graduate scheme. However, in my team the last two previous interns have come back after university so there has been opportunity.

It obviously wasn't the same experience as university, as Newbury is a lot smaller than Sheffield! But many of the other interns and graduates are the same age, so there's always the opportunity to go out.

It was definitely a lot more expensive than Sheffield.

It wasn't amazing but it wasn't terrible either! There were always people to go out though if you wanted to.

I think there is if you make the most of it. There's lots to do in nearby cities, and London is not far away either.