Internship Review at Southwestern

The Role

Role Description

This is a summer internship that can take you to all parts of the USA in the sales of educational products. The company trains you and supports you throughout your time working with them where you effectively set up your own business over the summer. A great way to improve confidence, broaden your horizons, Work on social communication, make some great friends and make some cash at the same time!

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

A great learning experience and really enjoyed the job; overall a great learning curve. On the negative side, you do work very hard with not much time to socialize so don't expect to spend much time at the beach!

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

A really great team atmosphere and a great bunch of confident and extremely-good-looking students.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Everyone who gives you advice and help throughout the summer has been in your shoes at some-point and can completely empathize with your struggles and successes. The management was friendly, personal and caring.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Work six days a week, 8am-9pm every day, outdoors in really hot conditions carrying a heavy bag of books and cycling between neighborhoods. I really enjoyed the physical challenge and I really enjoyed the hard work and sense of accomplishment after a long day, but don't bother doing this if you aren't self motivated and enjoy a challenge!

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The whole summer depends on your attitude and willingness to learn/work hard. If youre lazy or if you arent teachable, you will learn nothing and make no money. If you are open minded, work hard and learn from what people teach you, you will have the best summer imaginable.

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

Its changed the way I look at the world and its changed my attitude in life. I'm a far more motivated and happier person after doing southwestern.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Constant energy of the people around you was really motivating. There was a constant sense of healthy competition between us all and a real atmosphere of growth and personal development.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The company has been around since the 1800's so it was fantastically organized and thought through.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The whole internship is designed to help you do well during the summer and also later on in life. Every day I learnt something, and the professional sales training we got was great!

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

• Flexi Time
• Company Car
• National Travel
• International Travel
• Financial Bonus
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The Southwestern Company invites students back each year as managers, and if sales isnt your thing you have the opportunity to move to one of its many sister companies instead.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Everyone on the internship was great and I met tones of great friends that I will keep forever. Some really inspiring people. There was also a real camaraderie built very quickly. However, there is not too much social time as you are concentrating on running your own successful independent business.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Really cheap to live and because you were working so hard you didnt need to spend lots on going out etc, however travel to the USA from the UK, and travel between the company HQ in Nashville and Washington does cost.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I'm sure the nightlife in Washington DC was great, but I was really involved in my own work and didn't pay much attention to it! However at the end of your 12 weeks selling its tradition for everyone to take a week long road trip to the Smokey mountains, rent a chalet and party- thats great fun.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Lots of hard work during the week but on sundays we would all go and do something fun. It really depends on where you are based and how great the local activities are!

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 remember, this is not a holiday, its lots of hard work. However, its really rewarding and a great way to make friends, money and travel. Its something that everyone should do once in there life. The world would be a better place!

Review 70/70 for Southwestern

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