Internship Review at AkzoNobel

The Role

Role Description

It was my responsibility to support the Speciality Brands Team on a daily basis. I worked across three ranges which included International, Hammerite & Polycell.
I was involved in the following projects:
• Sku Guru (software)
• Waxoyl Project Management
• Website Development / Stats / Social Media / PR Brief
• Polycell Trade Rugby Ball Give Away
• Sales Presenter Creative
• Polycell Video Jug
• International Project Management
• Managing Creative Media and Design Agencies

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I really enjoyed my internship with AkzoNobel. As an extremely people focused business it was an enjoyable learning experience. The work that I undertook was both project management and marketing based which has given me an insight into two different working styles.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

My colleagues made me feel welcome from day one. I was given interesting work to complete and was always encouraged to put my ideas forward at company meetings. Both my Line Manager and Team took the time out to explain things to me if I needed guidance. At the end of my internship I presented my projects to the Senior Sales & Marketing Managers, in my opinion this demonstrated that interns within AkzoNobel are highly valued.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I had a weekly one-two-one meeting with my Line Manager, where I explained the progress of my tasks. Here she put forward ideas for improvements and shared her knowledge of the different processes within AkzoNobel.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

As an intern the work was manageable.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was given a fair amount of responsibility during my internship. I was involved in numerous projects which included communications planning, managing creative and design agencies, reviewing and improving the Polycell Trade Website, the project management of both the International and Hammerite range, as well as attending weekly and monthly team meetings. I was always encouraged to take as much responsibility as possible for my own work.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was given the opportunity to present my projects to the Senior Marketing and Sales Managers within the company which was a fantastic experience. This will help with any future presentations that I have to do at University. Working with the Finance Team has improved my financial knowledge greatly; this will assist me during my final year accounting modules. Lastly, working with the different departments within AkzoNobel has increased my overall communication skills.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

My office was quiet; however, everyone was extremely friendly and approachable.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

My personal experience of AkzoNobel has led me to believe that the work is project based which makes it difficult to assess what you will be doing over the 12 week period. Three weeks before I started my internship I was told which department I would be in and my Line Managers details by HR. I was also assigned a buddy, who was a first year graduate who answered all my questions. AkzoNobel supports those who are relocating, offering them a benefits package on top of their salary.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

As an intern it is hard for a Company to invest a great deal of money into someone over a 12 week period. I have received a company, diversity and agency induction. Time was also taken to show me how to use the company software which included Gensight & Cognos training. The graduates as well as managers were always keen to share their experiences with the interns.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

There are opportunities available for those wishing to join the Graduate Scheme, however due to the economic climate there are limited places.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There was a really good social scene between the interns. We socialised weekly and split our time between London, Stoke Poges and Windsor.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

I lived in reading and commuted to Slough daily. The journey took around 40 minutes and petrol and accommodation cost me around £140 a week.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Slough does not have the best reputation for nightlife. We spent most of our time in Stoke Poges, Windsor and London.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The GNC (Graduate Board) organised a BBQ for everyone when we first arrived. There was an AkzoNobel Football Team, Company Sports Day and an Annual Charity Ball which the interns were all invited to join whilst I worked for the Company.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

I really enjoyed my time with AkzoNobel, it was a fantastic learning experience and I will take away a number of learning’s that will aid me throughout my graduate career. The Organisation from my experience values its interns and as a Company whose core values are based on people it is a friendly and informative place to work.

Review 4/6 for AkzoNobel

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