HR / Schools & Education Internship Review

My placement at Siemens provided me with an invaluable insight into life at a contemporary global organisation. Whether I was given governance of a smaller project or whether I was immersed in a large project with seniors and colleagues alike, no two days were ever the same.

Throughout my placement I was treated as a valued employee whose opinions and thoughts were not only asked for but appreciated and used in decision making going forward.

I enjoyed a close working relationship with my manager therefore support was always on hand. By maintaining high levels of communication, I felt comfortable discussing any problems I had or asking for advice.

As I became more integrated into the organisation and my role, my workload increased noticeably. However, there was always time designated to complete any university related work that was to be done in conjunction with my placement.

Through the initial few weeks of the placement, my workload consisted of completing tasks of a somewhat low significance as I grew into the role. As time went by, I was given governance over smaller projects and relied upon to deliver results and deal with requests to a deadline. I enjoyed high levels of autonomy throughout.

Having the opportunity to put into practice theories learned at university in workplace sees me at a definite advantage going into graduate roles in the future. As well as this, the chance to develop ones business acumen and professionalism in a global organisation is something that cannot be learned through study alone.

Each internship at Siemens will differ in accordance with the site and role on offer; Siemens is a very large organisation and roles vary throughout the UK. My induction process at the HQ was very thorough and informative as was my overall role.

I was afforded whatever training and development I felt may further enhance my placement at Siemens. As well as this, constant feedback on my performance aided in identifying strengths and weaknesses.

Graduate roles in HR at Siemens are offered as and when they are needed, therefor limiting the availability. However, through the Siemens Graduate Program, there exists a very real possibility of continuing a career here at Siemens.

Graduates and interns at the site in which I worked enjoyed a healthy social life. The grads and interns developed their own national social networking group through which they organised activities in and out of the workplace such as Company Sports Days and nights out.

Site located just outside of Manchester city centre.

There always exist the opportunity to engage in external activities with other grads / interns.