Placement Year Review at Intel Corporation

The Role

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

A highly rewarding year. Real responsibility, working on projects and with people all around the world.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

The office is a large environment but I quickly made key contacts and attended social events ooutside of work.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

My manager was great. Always kept things realistic but pushed me to get the most out of my year as possible.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There was obviously the days where I was rushed off my feet, but these were balanced out by quieter times of the year. There were always things to do, and on average it struck a good balance.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

No micro-management at all. I was trusted and left to run my own projects independently. Help was always there if I needed 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

Can't stress enough how the skills and experience I have acquired at Intel have made me a better person. I hope I will be far more employable come graduation than had I not completed a placement year.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Professional environment but open-door policy meant you could approach anyone.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Intel has taken on large numbers of interns for many years so it is a well-established program.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Intel looks to turn its interns into potential graduates, and offers many training classes to improve your knowledge and acumen.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events
• Working from home
• Healthcare/Dental

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I have a few weeks to go but I have been told I can expect to be offered a job back as a graduate.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

In the context of working full-time rather than being a student, the social scene was balanced very well. You won't be wanting to go out 4 times a week like at Uni - but with 50+ interns on site there was always plenty going on (sports, meals, socials, even holidays together!). I hope to stay in touch with many of my fellow interns from this year.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Accommodation in Swindon is very reasonably-priced. Socialising prices are fairly average.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Nightlife became less of an interest to me throughout the year - but there are plenty of places to go; from traditional pubs to trendy bars to nightclubs.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

During the year I took part in football, cricket and charity work. There are clubs and societies advertising for people on a weekly basis.

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?

If you are unsure as to whether you would like to carry out a year-long placement, my advice is to just go ahead and do it. It puts the real world into perspective and teaches you invaluable skills to take forward into your career. Personally I feel so lucky to have been given an opportunity at Intel - if you secure a placement here I can guarantee you will have a good one!

Review 121/121 for Intel Corporation

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