Internship Review at Centrica

The Role

Role Description

I was responsible for providing clear analysis on the financial results of British Gas Business. My role included the coordination of various reports for use by the business, highlighting current performance issues and explaining what was driving them.

Liason with Business Finance teams to consolidate planning and reporting submissions formed a major part of my role, with great emphasis placed on effective relationship management with various stakeholders across the wider business.

I was also responsible for facilitating responses to ad-hoc information requests from numerous stakeholders across the business.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Given a great deal of responsibility so felt like I had direct and tangible impact on the business. There were ample opportunities to network across the business and a great working culture.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was definitely considered part of the team - people did not treat me like 'just an intern'.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Weekly meetings with my line manager to talk about my projects, to ensure I had enough work and that it was sufficiently challenging. Buddy scheme and coaching scheme ensured I would always have had an appropriate person to go if I had any queries or issues. I felt able to approach my managers or any member of the business whenever I needed.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

At times I was very busy, for example around month end reporting. At other times I had less work to do, although it was always ensured that I was sufficiently challenged and I always felt able to ask for more work during quieter periods.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Lots. One particular task I was responsible for was preparing the Profit and Loss statement for July for British Gas Business - I was responsible for it being delivered on time and accurately. On several occasions I was responsible for the coordination of reports for the Finance Director and other senior management.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Developed confidence in my own decisions and abilities profoundly, alongside time management skills as I was working in a fast paced environment. They match you to a role based on your development areas identified in the interview process, so emphasis really is placed on the development of personal skills and not solely on benefiting the business.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Great working culture, everyone is friendly and approachable - right up to senior management. Lots of social events to attend.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Communication brilliant. Lots of structure to the 10 weeks, with various training days organised well etc.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Various training days that were genuinely enjoyable and worth while. Great deal of emphasis placed on personal development, not only from the graduate recruitment team but also across the company from my managers and the wider team - i.e. the level of investment in personal development and employee satisfaction is not restricted to just the graduate/placement programs.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• National Travel
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Working from home
• Healthcare/Dental

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Offered a place on graduate scheme to start next year.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Definitely, made so many great friends and always something going on. Specific events were also organised by fellow interns such as trips to Windsor Races and a Boat Cruise.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Accommodation paid for so that took a great deal of cost away straight away. Going out standard greater London prices.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was put in accommodation along with lots of other interns at Brunel Uni in Uxbridge... Uxbridge itself not great for nightlife, but it is just a short journey on tube into central London, or there are several other towns nearby that are better.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The Charity Challenge is run alongside the internship scheme, where interns are put into teams to raise the most money for Make A Wish foundation. Had great fun organising charity events such as duck races, and doing a 13,000ft sky dive with other interns and employees from across the company. The challenge provides opportunities for leadership development that you won't find on most other placements. Lots of other social opportunities, e.g. football leagues, grad balls etc.

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?

The placement is 10 weeks, so longer than those at most companies but I thought it was an ideal length as I would definitely not have been ready to leave after 6 weeks. Would recommend to anyone.

Review 63/75 for Centrica

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