Summer Intern Review

Really enjoyed the internship, from the culture to the diverse range of tasks I was given. Main highlights would be the opportunity to be a valued member of the team, been given responsible work from the offset, great opportunities to network with the firm - from managing directors to other interns and a good social side.

I felt very valued by my colleagues. Although you are an intern and they respect that you won't know many technical things and have much to learn, they highly value a fresh perspective on things and gave me works as a normal worker.

I was always encouraged to participate and speak up in team meetings. I also had regular meetings to see if all went well.

There was always something to do, there were several projects on at the same time. The days flew by very quickly as the work was also really interesting.

I was given a large amount of responsibility throughout my internship, being involved in some of the key initiatives within my team. My work during this internship had improved the tasks of my colleagues. I was extremely glad that I had been given this responsibility, as I was able to feel that I had added value to the team throughout my ten weeks.

Many of skills learnt are transferable skills and will be extremely useful both in any degree and the work place. These transferable skills included: communication skills, time management, presentation skills, networking and the ability to interact with all the different levels within a large corporate firm. The training also enhanced the transferable skills but in many cases was specific to electricity markets and the energy industry more broadly - which will prove invaluable experience for the future.

There was an extremely dynamic and open atmosphere within the office, where individuals were encouraged to contribute regardless of what level they were at. Although everyone was busy with their daily jobs, everyone I reached out to was more than willing to take their time to discuss what they do, or talk through something technical etc.

There were some networking opportunities and social events amongst interns that ran throughout the internship which enabled you to form close bonds with other interns.

Training continued throughout the internship, as previously mentioned. I believe the firm really cared about my needs and requests as an intern, as was definitely willing to hear my input.

Throughout the internship, many colleagues emphasised the internal mobility within the organisation. It was encouraging to hear that you can easily move across division, from Paris to London.

We often went to the pub for a pint after work and enjoyed nightlife in Paris on Thursday or Friday night. It enabled you to meet and get to know colleagues in areas different to your own.

As I was based in Paris, the city is always going to be an expensive place to live and socialise. Fortunately, I live close to Paris so was able to commute, but otherwise I would recommend student accommodation or sharing with friends/ interns. Socialising was expensive, but you are being paid for the internship so personally it's part of embracing the lifestyle.

There aren't clubs near the office, but the city is so easy to get around, such that this wasn't really much of a hindrance. After work, it was more common to go to the pub or bars, of which are at 3 stations of subway.

There are sports teams at EDT T, such indoor soccer, that you were largely encouraged to go to because as well as being fun, they also aid personal development.