Adam Mascarhenas

EMEA FF&A Analyst, Chanel and Embedded Finance

  • BA Accounting and Finance
  • Exeter, University of
  • Placement Year (10 Months+)
  • Intel Corporation

What was the interview process like in applying to Intel’s placement opportunities?

I first heard of Intel through Ratemyplacement.com which gave some really interesting insight into the placement opportunities as well as finance interns perspective on their year. The interview process was straightforward and similar to other companies I applied for: CV, Online tests, Phone Interview and then Assessment Center.

How much responsibility have you been given on your placement?

Intel genuinely treats placement students as full time employees with real responsibility. If I do not complete my job, then somebody else would have to do it. The placement program as run for more than 15 years and consequently, full time employees are extremely receptive and accommodating in helping with the development of all the interns at Intel.

What advice would you give to someone applying for your job role?

I’d say be confident in selling yourself throughout the application process. The managers reviewing and interviewing you are looking to see what you can do and how well you present yourself. Do not be afraid to sell your accomplishments and strengths as they are trying to understand what type of future employee you will be.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge has been illustrating my key strengths. Intel gives us real responsibilities and therefore I have become a specialist in my specific role. I can honestly say there are areas where I am the best person. My challenge has been asserting my knowledge over fellow employees when influencing key business tasks as I sometimes presume they have better knowledge than myself.

Where has your experience exceeded your expectations?

The level of support I received in terms of my personal and technical development has surpassed all my expectations. Having never worked in an office, I was initially hesitant in joining an international company. However, upon my arrival, I had my previous Intern, a ‘Buddy’ within my team, supportive managers and an external mentor to guide my year at Intel.

What did you most enjoy about your job role?

The ability to speak to senior managers and then influence their decision making. My role within finance is reporting our organisation’s spending to business leaders. This has allowed me to provide proposals and evaluations on our spending behaviours to people who can truly influence Intel.

Describe a situation where you surpassed expectations.

When I first arrived, we had an outdated system of reporting. There were multiple inefficiencies and overlaps of coverage of work. After three months, I evaluated and drove a new reporting methodology which eliminated several efficiencies and saved myself over 100 hours of work per year. I was duly recognized with a Finance Recognition Award which was the highlight of my year.

What was the atmosphere like in your team?

Amazing! My team is really fun and outgoing which really made my year here extremely fun. Every month we have a team meal and every three months we have team trip. So far we’ve gone to the Bath Christmas market, the Cotswold water park and a volunteering trip to a local dog shelter.

What activities have you participated in outside of work?

At Intel, one of the six values is “Great Place to Work”. In Swindon, the GPTW team has put on some amazing events such as the World Cup football tournament, the October Beer Festival and the Christmas Party. As one of many interns, our social life has been vibrant and exciting especially our trips to Prague and Somerset.

How promising are the graduate prospects?

Graduate prospects are promising at Intel, although this depends on each department. One of the first things managers tell you is that the internship year is a 13-month interview for a graduate place. If you want a position and prove your value, quite often interns come back after finishing university. Graduate pay and benefits are competitive and career development is definitely encouraging.

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