Internship Review at National Grid

The Role

Role Description

My project was to overview a quality assessment procedure used by the company and to produce suggestions to improve this process. I was also asked to write a policy document clarifying this procedure. This task necessarily included learning about the assets on the electricity network, how the network operates and so on.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

A fantastic placement - National Grid is really keen for students to do real work and the challenge of the task set was very enjoyable.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Our colleagues were always keen to give up their time - even if we had never met or talked to them before! Everyone is extremely friendly and willing to share their knowledge, which means you learn so much just be talking to people. Also they are depending on your output so you really feel valued.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Our line manager was very well organised, always had time for even the smallest of requests and was very supportive of our work. This really helped us getting started in the job.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

We were expected to do a job and finish our project, but the timescales are very flexible - noone expects you to come in by or leave after a certain time, and you don't at all feel pressured or overworked.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

For example, we were give the job of writing a policy document to be used by the company, and we were given the chance to present our ideas to senior management. Our project was completely our own and we were responsible for what came out of it.

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

I learnt so much about the electricity industry, how the network works etc that I am finding I know most of the things in my Power Engineering lectures! I also developed many skills, especially communication skills, and learnt how to work with people and how businesses are managed.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Atmosphere was very relaxed - people were always willing to talk and you didn't feel like you had to sit at your desk for the whole day.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Really well organised project, and we also had several (9 in 8 weeks!) site visits and trips organised for us that were really enriching experiences.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The fact that we were given real work was an incredible opportunity to develop. Also, we were asked at the beginning of the placement what we would like to learn/develop and our line managers encouraged us in this, eg if we wanted to improve communication skills they would get us presenting to senior management. We also got a lot of feedback.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• National Travel
• Company Parties/Events
• Working from home
• Healthcare/Dental

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I already have a further 2 placements with the company, after which I can apply and skip most of the application process, which is great. I feel really confident I could get a job there, because of the experience I already have of the company, my placements there and the fact that I met many people who did the same internship scheme and got jobs straight after.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There was a large group of students there at the same time, all living close together. So it's very easy to get a good social scene going. Also we were invited to the young employees' events (they had their own network within the company), which were really enjoyable.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The costs were ok although the accommodation could have been cheaper. In terms of socialising there wasn't that much to do although there were things like restaurants, cinemas and a few pubs and clubs.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Not that great - we stuck to going out to the cinema or for a meal. There weren't many clubs.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

We had the opportunity to do a lot of volunteer events with National Grid, including kid's engineering fairs which were great fun! Also we did a lot together as a group as there were so many of us.

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 to add that my personal scheme was sponsored by the IET - called the Power Academy (look it up - apply and get £2k+ a year plus your wages!) so my project was a little different to that of an intern. But the same things about living, socialising, job opportunities still apply.

Review 102/103 for National Grid

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