Web & DM Intern Review

My time at NI was one of the most interesting and exciting years of my life. I learnt a lot, met so many new people who I can call my friends and can finish my placement year feeling satisfied with what I have achieved.

My team are like family. I always felt like I could talk to them if I felt unsure about anything. Working suddenly doesn't seem so bad when you're surrounded by like-minded people who you get on amazingly with.

My supervisor was brilliant. We had weekly 1:1s where we would discuss what I was working on that week and she helped me considerably and more importantly I always felt like someone was looking out for me which is really lovely.

It really varied on how busy I was depending upon which projects I was working on at the time. Some projects were over with quickly but some were more long-term. Somedays I would have lots on and some days not so much. This was good for me though as I had time to organise myself and plan ahead when I wasn't so busy which benefitted me in the long-run when I became more busy.

I was given a lot more responsibility on my placement than I initially thought I would be given. I didn't even feel like an 'intern' I felt like a member of the team, as though I would feel if this was my full-time job after University. I was given tasks and then expected to complete these tasks and manage my time myself which was really good for me and massively improved my organisation skills. I never felt like I was being watched or checked up on, I really felt very trusted to do a good job, which was so great.

I improved valuable skills such as Adobe packages, Microsoft Excel and skills such as communication and co-ordinating. I also took an exam to enable me to send emails through Eloqua which is another skill I can add to my CV. Certain elements of my role while on placement made me realise that I would like to get into a Web Design job role which I am excited about for the future.

The atmosphere in the office was great - very relaxed and welcoming. I felt like I was a part of the family very early on in my placement. Everyone got on so well with eachother and there was a lot of fun and laughs to be had (as well as work).

The internship was set up really well. Our first few weeks consisted of getting to know the office, the team and what NI actually does. There was a summer party in my first week and it was perfect as I could get to know people in a really informal way. I felt like I had a good amount of guidance, but then at the same time I had enough space to be myself and have some free reign on how I approached projects which was really great.

I had several training modules at the beginning of my placement which was good and after this, I had training for email sending (Eloqua) which I had to take an exam for. There was not so much investment overall, I feel like I was trained to do my job well.

If a job comes up after I graduate, I would love to come back to NI and I would hope that they would feel the same about me coming back. Quite a few of the past interns have come back full-time which is great and it just shows how much people must enjoy working here that they would happily come back.

Yes there was. I got on really well with my fellow placement students and even went on holiday with one of them. You really can make friends for life whilst on placement. I also got on really well with my other team members and we had several gatherings outside of work including the Christmas party which was so much fun.

Newbury is quite expensive to rent. I ended up living in house shares through websites such as SpareRoom. This is much cheper than independently renting a place. The flat I was staying in for the second half of my placement was so lovely and in a perfect location so I definitely recommend searching well, you will find something right for you!

The nightlife wasn't amazing, but I liked some of the bars and nicer pubs in the area. I found that I wasn't really going out that much as I was tired from work and going to the gym etc. however Reading is so nearby on the train and is perfect for a night out if you felt like it!

Definitely. There is a facebook group for employees where people plan activities which is really good. Also just by talking to people around the office you're likely to get invited somewhere by someone! It's just that kind of office, which is good. I also went out quite a few times for meals and drinks with my team which was so much fun.