Human Resources Summer Intern Review

I enjoyed it thoroughly, it was a great, insightful experience! I have particularly enjoyed networking with different people within the Department, including building valuable friendships with other interns. However, what I have most enjoyed is the variety of work that I have been involved in; from working within Human Resources to completing a three-day placement working within the private office of a Minister of State. My experience within the Civil Service has been an extremely rewarding one, offering me an opportunity to lead and take ownership of projects and prepare for my future career. I have also enjoyed being assigned a Fast Stream mentor and meeting other Fast Streamers; this has broadened my horizons and encouraged me to self-reflect. I am able to ask for advice, gather further information about topics I don't particularly understand and, to also build a rapport with them.

My colleagues within the Department all made me feel extremely comfortable and welcome within the first week of my internship. I was always invited to any relevant meetings by my managers and encouraged to contact any employees within the Department who may be able to help me with any enquiries or questions that I needed answered,

I was given a vast amount of support and supervision; I had frequent meetings with my supervisors to update them on my progress and to give them any feedback about what I wanted from my internship. There was a consistent amount of communication so I never felt out of my depth

During the 8 hours I was working daily, I was busy 7 out of those 8... and that was due to my lunch hour! There was always a task that needed completed, I hardly ever felt bored or felt like I wasn't being challenged. There were daily deadlines to make so there was a right amount of responsibility that I adopted whilst working in my internship..

Quite a lot; like I said previously, I was given daily deadlines to meet, as well as meetings to organise and attend also. A lot of the work I was given were for important purposes such as policies and procedures within the Department and how employees can access these important documents. I also played a big part in designing these documents for the employee's intranet, which was both exciting and quite nerve-racking at the same time!

I gained a vast amount of support and assistance to make me mentally prepared to go through the application process for the Civil Service's graduate programme by actual Fast Streamers, who had already been through the process and had successfully got through; I was able to improve my flaws, as well as to further develop my strengths. I believe that gaining a place on the Civil Service Summer Internship developed my skills that I wouldn't have, otherwise, been able to develop using other mediums, such as websites and articles, such as verbally practising my interview answers and completing a mock trial of the assessment centre. I also received feedback on my performance, from my managers, identifying my strong points, as well as areas of necessary development. The Coaching Programme provided me with encouragement and the confidence to perform at my best, and now I believe I have the potential to positively contribute to the Civil Service, achieving a long and fruitful career.

It was a nice, calm environment. Everyone in the office was friendly and you were able to move desks everyday, as each employee had a laptop; therefore, you were allowed to switch your work atmosphere daily - you could work in the coffee shop, or in the soft areas (sofas, tables etc.).

It was very organised. After my CRB was completed, I was sent all my internship details through email. I was even invited by both of my managers for a quick coffee before my internship had started, for introductions and a general exchange of background history, which made my first day that little less daunting.

I was offered a three -day placement at the Minister of State's private office for the Department, in order to give me more of insight in the different areas of the civil service, as my internship was based in the HR department, which I thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed.

Very appealing! I'm actually going to apply for their graduate programme, now that I feel that little bit more equipped for the application process. The starting salary is competitive and there are many perks to working for the Civil Service. I am in awe of the fact that the Civil Service is working towards mirroring the society it serves and being a diverse organisation. Choosing a degree discipline in Social Sciences, I knew what type of career I would want to progress in; one that enabled me to give back to society, work towards a better community and make positive impacts on other peoples’ lives, and the Civil Service allows me to do this.