Intern Review

By working for such a large company, there is significant flexibility in working across a range of sectors. All you have to do is be proactive! By doing so you can walk away from your internship with a wealth of practical and experience and transferable skills, ultimately improving your employability.

Despite being an intern, you allocated real projects which are managed by yourself. The placements I found for myself were individually focused, so team part played a less important role compared to some other interns, but every team will welcome you openly and friendly (but there are no excuses for not doing a good job as a result!).

The management I received at all levels was second to none. I received positive feedback and constructive criticism throughout the year and management at all levels were very generous with their time.

Having completed four 3 months placements under my own steam, the work flow was steady throughout with some busy and some not-so-busy periods. The work-life balance was excellent.

I was given the responsibility to source my own placements and then deliver to a three month deadline each time. Amongst these was a piece of research never conducted by the company before and involved presenting to supplier CEO's and Director level management, all giving a great sense of a achievement at the end of the experience.

The practical application of my degree was certainly useful, but the transferable skills of working with others and working full time in industry has proved to be the foundations of my applications for future jobs. I would wholeheartedly recommend the same industry experience to anyone.

Offices varied from placement to placement, but overall the atmosphere was welcoming and inviting. Management are very patient inducting you to the vast amount of information and procedural hoops which are presented to you as you start.

Overall the internship is reasonably organised from when you arrive, but interns are not given anywhere near the same level of support before arrival and during their time with the company as the graduate intake of that year. As interns start at the same (or arguably less experienced level as the graduates) I was surprised that the levels of structured support where so few compared to the clear support structure for graduates. This is an area for significant future improvement for the scheme.

I felt the company invested a lot in to me, helping to give me roles where my contribution made a real difference to the project I was allocated to.

I still have not heard anything yet, so it is difficult to say!

I made some very good friends on the internship scheme and with fellow colleagues, which I hope to maintain well in to the future.

Working in Derbyshire there was somewhat less hustle and bustle compared to what I am used to in London, but the place was nice enough and transport connections to the rest of the country are good. Regular exploration of places you have never been is advised!

Travelling may be required, but by no means impossible.

There are plenty of sports clubs attached to the gym which has connections to the company at the Derby site.