Project Support Analyst Review

I really enjoyed my experience at Virgin Media, the culture embedded throughout the workplace is like something I have never experienced. Everyone is so friendly and willing to help, even people who aren't directly related to your job role. The whole community live the core virgin values and this is expressed in the brilliant workplace environment.

The team I did the most work for were not based in the same office as me, meaning I often had to communicate over email or the phone. At first, when I was still unsure about making decisions for myself, this was difficult. They were often busy or I could not get a hold of them. However once I became more familiar with my role I started to make decisions for myself, my colleagues appreciated this and I was soon accepted as a valued member of the team.

My manager was often very busy, however he always had time for me if I needed him urgently. There was also a buddy-ing system at VM, I was paired up with a senior member of my manager's team who helped me get to grips with my role, told me of any important training I should be taking part in and also helped me find opportunities to develop myself. The support given by all senior staff was strong, with the message driven through my part of the organisation being that it is easier to ask for forgiveness than it is for permission.

At first I was very quiet, once I had completed all of the induction work I was given one project to work on but not much else. However once my confidence grew I began to make myself available to pick up more work from different areas to allow myself to make as much of the year as possible. There was always quiet spots but they were good oppurtunities to do some learning or job shadowing, exposure to different areas is invaluable.

I was responsible for the progress of a project key to VM infrastructure, I was fully accountable for all issues related to the project. Any problems would be directed to me and any thing that went wrong was fed to me to determine why. I was also the lead in a number of key improvement projects and responsible for the progression of these, if I did not keep track of them then they would not progress along the improvement cycle. However the majority of my placement was helping out others with reports or data analysis, not hugely exciting and there wasn't much satisfaction to get from it.

My degree was not directly related to my work placement however the transition from classroom to a corporate environment is something that you cannot plan for, the skills I have developed and training I have been lucky enough to be a part of has provided me with skills for life and hopefully will allow me to get a graduate job with ease.

The atmosphere was very good, despite the ageing demographic of most of the staff there was still a positive vibe every day.

This internship in my area was the first of it's kind, meaning there were a few teething problems. The level at which to pitch the work was difficult for my manager to determine at first. However the overall talent team were very organised, they organised induction events for all grads and interns and monthly calls for us to discuss our placements and anything exciting we've been up to. The talent team were also very approachable.

The company invested in me very well, I was allowed to extend external training events at the cost of the company and was also allowed to make the most of the internal learning portal available at VM.

There is no graduate scheme in my area. However there are schemes available in other areas and you are fast tracked to a different stage of the application process than the external candidates if you choose to apply. The application process is a lot easier too.

There were 15 interns based in Hook, all of who got on very well. We often had lunches together and went to the pub on a Friday after work.

Hampshire is very expensive however the salary is fair for the area.

Terrible, do not live in Basingstoke. However Reading is only a bit longer away.

Played football with my manager every week and other hobby clubs were available.