Internship Review at ASDA

The Role

Role Description

I was in Retail Finance- a commercial finance team. My roles involved building reports on Excel (training was provided), liaising with colleagues in other departments to gather information, analyse it and present my findings to senior colleagues.
An average day would be editing a few formulas in an excel document, attending meetings, introducing to myself to someone in a different department i.e. IT to gather information, phoning stores to gather information and working on a powerpoint for a presentation.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The company culture at Asda is like nothing else I've ever experienced- everyone is so friendly and even the CEO will smile and say hi as he walks past you.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Even extremely senior colleagues would catch up with me to ask how I was doing and I was constantly praised for my achievements- even being allowed to present one of my projects to the Corporate Finance team as an example of how the business had taken control.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I had a weekly catch- up with one colleagues on the grad scheme who was essentially my 'mentor' who would work with me to make sure I achieved my goals, and had regular one on ones with management that focused on improving my experience.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

At the beginning it took about a week to establish what I would be doing, but once I had settled into my projects the day would fly by.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was responsible for recovering £1 million in one of my projects and liaising directly with senior members from other departments- my team had complete faith in me.

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 learn a lot about corporate culture at university- but nothing gives you a feel for it more than actually being there, making presentations, attending meetings and building reports. It highlighted for me my key skills and areas to be improved upon and I am confident that everything I have learned will be invaluable for my future.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Although everyone worked hard, there was constant banter in the office that made my experience so much fun. There were always events with free food and music- the place was buzzing.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

My projects changed as the internship went along, but it meant that they were always getting the most out of me as I was diverted to the areas that needed extra help the most.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

There was no limit to what Asda would do for me- they brought in a CIMA representative to discuss what the grad scheme would be like, and senior colleagues would take 15 minutes out of their schedule to talk about my future with me- they couldn't have done more.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I think I would struggle to find another company with Asda's combination of a fantastic culture and opportunity to progress quickly.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

We did have to organise meeting each other ourselves, but that was pretty easy and after that we'd go out together pretty much every weekend.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Leeds is a relatively cheap place to live compared with the South. Bars and clubs can be expensive at weekends but if you know the right places to go it can be pretty cheap.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Leeds is renowned for its nightlife.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There was all sorts to get involved with- mostly charity events such as a team 10k run or climbing the Yorkshire Three Peaks in under 24 hours.

Review 9/13 for ASDA

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