Internship Review at Centrica

The Role

Role Description

I worked with the Corporate Social Responsibility team organising events and charity partnerships.
I organised a skydive from start to finish and had 60 British Gas employees jumping out of planes on the same day!
I also worked on our volunteering policies and helped with the promotion of CR activities through my blog on the Centrica website.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

It really went above and beyond my expectations. The amount of responsibility and variety I experienced over the ten weeks made me feel really valued as an intern. I didn't make tea or coffee once either!

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I did a fair bit of travelling between offices with my line manager so we got to become quite close with all the train journeys! You are given a great support network with graduate buddies, coaches and talent managers but I found that I benefited most from my line manager.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Firstly you get a "Graduate Buddy" before you arrive. They are either located in the same place as you or on the same stream. This gives you a chance to ask questions, get to know each other and have a starting point for networking when you join!
Secondly you have a performance contract that is overseen by a Talent Manager, you get yourself goals and monitor your progress.
Then there is your line manager, who in most cases you will see on a daily basis.
Finally you have a coach who is there to offer support through testing times at work and give you a different insight from your immediate colleagues.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

If I lacked in things to do, I simply asked for more. Your teams will be very happy to have an intern on board and they will utilise your skills wherever possible.
Some days I simply had too much to do and my manager would help me prioritise my tasks so I didn't get too swamped!

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

On several of my projects, I literally was the leading lady! It was so nice and incredibly rewarding to work on something from start to finish and be the one people needed to speak with. At the end of my placement I had to compile a handover document as I had worked on so much independently. The nice thing about this was that instead of just asking my manager for the answers I was able to explore areas of the business myself, for example, PR & Social Media so I had a better understanding for my own projects. If I had worked under someone elses project this may have been different.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

It was the first time I had worked in a corporate environment and I really did learn a lot. I started in my first week too scared to pick up the phone. It was a pet hate of mine and now I have no second thoughts about making a phone call to get something done. On top of that we were given a presentation workshop and have to present at the end of placement. These communication skills alone are enough to show that I've increased my employability, either with Centrica or beyond.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

It really is dependent on office. In the call centres there is such a buzz! I was in Staines where a lot of people work from home, my team included. It was often very quite and not as energetic as I'd hoped.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

It was incredible. The process from day one of application right through to communication about the graduate scheme afterwards. You get free accomodation and you're paid, what more could you want?!

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

It's a short period of time to invest- this explains the lower scoring.
We had a presentation workshop which was really useful.
We also had a very good introduction to the company, from presentations to evening drinks.
They also allow learning visits, some interns went to Norway! Some went to powerstations and I went to the Cardiff call centre.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Working from home

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Fingers crossed! My Team asked if I would like to stay on part time which is promising. Now I've had my contract extended and will be working 8 hours a week whilst as university.
I've been recommended for the graduate programme. I now have to write a cover letter and hopefully be offered a final interview.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

We all lived together at Brunel University. It was a great social scene, we went out most weekends together. I've made some amazing friends this summer. There were even tears on the last day!!

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

It was Uxbridge,so outer London. I live fairly locally so i'm used to southern prices but it was a shock for some of those that live up north!

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I don't think it mattered too much when there were 40 of us! We went out for a few meals together- Slug & Lettuce were very accomodating. We had a choice of Uxbridge, Watford, Windsor or Central London so there was always another option. Some of the best nights were those spent drinking in the kitchen- a good old house party!

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I'm sure there were but nothing that I personally sought to get involved in. There was a football league you could join and swimming sessions too.
We also have the summer placement charity challenge which was great fun. I won't give too much away but we raised £25,000 over 10 weeks for Make-A-Wish. Everything from football tournaments to skydives!

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?

It was a great summer and I couldn't be happier now! The prospect of having a job secured by the end of October is incredible. Check out the interns blogs on Centrica.com for more details on the ins and outs of the placement. I wrote several whilst I was there.

Review 62/75 for Centrica

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