Internship Review at TV Energy

The Role

Role Description

I assisted the analyst in gathering data for a database we were compiling on renewable energy installations.
I also redesigned the TV Bioenergy website, which needed updating, with a new layout and content.
Other tasks included writing summaries of key DECC publications, writing up case studies for the TV Energy website, and conducting PV assessments for clients.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

TV Energy provided me with a wide range of work during my summer placement, from redesigning their subsidiary companies website, to meeting potential clients.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was treated like any other member of staff, which made the experience more realistic and valuable.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was always given helpful feedback on work I completed, and was never discouraged from asking questions.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I always had work to do, without feeling overworked. If I completed a task early, another employee would happily share their work with me.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was given full or shared responsibilty of many tasks such as answering the office phone or conducting PV assessments. I felt there was a good balance between being trusted but not over-depended on.

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

Working 9-5 for three months helped me to develop concentration skills further which will improve my grades at university. I am now more confident in searching and applying for jobs for when I leave university as I have a better understanding of what will be expected of me from future employers.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

TV Energy has a large shared office. This allowed employees to easily discuss work with each other. Overall a quiet atmosphere was maintained which allowed me to focus on my work, without feeling as if I were in an exam hall.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was provided with a variety of work through the summer. I had several days out of the office, which included: site visits, meeting current or potential clients and visiting relevant presentations. These helped put projects I was working on into context, overall improving my performance.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

TV Energy invested their own time by helping me gain experience in a work environment, this was exactly what I wanted from the placement.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• National Travel
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

As TV Energy is a small company, with mainly part time staff, I feel it is unlikely that they will be looking for new staff in the near future. However if a suitable position became available I would definitely apply.

Other Information

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

This does not apply as I was the only person on a placement.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Newbury has a wide range of affordable restaurants and entertainment.But this did not apply as I commuted from home.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Reading/ Newbury both have good nightlife with a range of late night restaurants and club scenes.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I participated in most activities outside of work. This included showing the public around an ecohome on an ecohome openday and talking to the public at an ecofair. Participating in these extra activities helped me gain extra experience.

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?

There may not be a placement available every year, as it is a small company; however it is definitely worth applying if you are interested in renewable energy or working in a small organisation.