Internship Review at Centrica

The Role

Role Description

A HR Summer Intern specialising in Service Performance improvement within the People Services team. As such I undertook two projects, the biggest of which was a Channel Strategy Analysis, looking to determine the impact of a chosen communication channel, on the outcome of a HR Services transaction. Both projects had the high level purpose of improving service performance.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship. It was presented the most fantastic opportunities and I now have a graduate job off the back of it. The internship gives an excellent insight into both your chosen function and the energy industry. The people were fantastic and the work culture of the corporate centre was really flexible.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I worked with a fantastic team who really listened to my opinions and took on board my suggestions. There was also much scope for networking which really helps when working on complex problems as you never know who you'll end up turning to. In Centrica there is a real environment of support.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My line manager and the surrounding team were absolutely fantastic in supporting me through the learning process, yet I remained in full control of both the projects I was managing so whilst there is excellent support in place, you're not mollycoddled through any of the activities you undertake. However the level of help and support that is available should you need it, is brilliant.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Every day was really busy with the two projects I had going on, but it didn't mean that I had no chance to get away from my desk and see other areas of the business. In fact, exploring unknown areas of the business is encouraged when on internship which is fantastic. There is definitely enough work to keep your brain engaged.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was fully responsible for the management of two projects throughout my placement, and they were projects that had an actual impact on my department which surprised me. Centrica give you a chance, even as an intern to make a real difference.

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

Learning to project manage and further improving time management, communication and organisation skills only work to improve my performance in my professional and academic life.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Everyone is there to do their work of course, but there is quite an exciting atmosphere in the office and everyone is really open and friendly.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There were no problems in terms of the set up of the internship - everything ran really smoothly and any problems were sorted out almost immediately by the graduate recruitment team - they even pay for accommodation for the duration of the internship.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

They were really interested in getting the best from me and helping me to develop my employability skills. They look for ways for you to improve and demonstrate such skills to assure continuous development.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I really enjoyed internship and look forward to commencing the graduate scheme with them next September - the internship was just a taste of what a career with Centrica can provide.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

It was fantastic - it helps that you get to live alongside the other interns. The weekends provide fantastic opportunities to go out and socialise with the others and even if no-one is going out, there are always people to hang out with around the accommodation.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

We stayed in London and worked in Windsor which isn't the cheapest, but given that accommodation and bills were fully paid for - we couldn't really complain. And it was a delightful part of the country to spend the summer.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Windsor is a delightful place for post-work cocktails and living in West London presented endless locations for a night out.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Yes, there is pretty much anything you want, be it sports or an evening at the races, cinema, a night out, shopping, everything was pretty much on our doorstep.

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?

Just that, prior to starting internship I felt quite intimidated by how it may go, but it truly was the most fantastic experience, the work was hard but really worth it. I miss working with the team and look forward to starting the graduate scheme.

Review 70/75 for Centrica

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