Internship Review at Foreign & Commonwealth Office

The Role

Role Description

Produce a report on the UK's election to the UN.
Help in replying to letter from the public letters.
Shadow FCO employees.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

It was a fantastic experience to be part of a civil service department that is connected to the entire world and to be involved in work that can impact the UN, the EU and bilateral relations with countries everywhere.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I got on really well with the people who worked in my office. We had a good laugh and I really learnt a lot from them about what they enjoyed about working for the FCO.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My line manager was excellent in keeping on track and on answering all my questions, big or small.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Most days I was getting on with my project, but there were loads of opportunities for shadowing meetings and going to talks about current international affairs.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

My project was very serious and its outcome will have a big impact on the work the department I was in will have to conduct over the next couple of years.

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

The civil service skills set is very well explained and with my manager I was able to see how everything I had done was a huge boost to my employability skills.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Generally always good fun, but like any office when there's a big deadline it could be stressful.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

It worked out fine, and there were always things to do. Though there is a large amount you have to organise yourself, which I think is better as it makes you choose the things you want to learn about and experience.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was able to go to a lot of talks and my manager gave me a lot of feedback.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Definitely am going to apply. Just hope I get through!

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Everyone got along great and we all had lunch together, as well as weekly drinks in London's finest pubs.

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

Obviously central London is not the best place to live or work on a budget!

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

But then London has everything you could want for a social life!

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Many political talks, going to the House of Commons, opportunities galore!

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 apply! Even if you're worried you won't enjoy it, just go for it! It is worth the experience.

Review 2/2 for Foreign & Commonwealth Office

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