Intern Review

My project was interesting, was focused to adding value to a particular unit within a department and gave me room to shape it. The facilities on site were great and the cost of living in India relative to the UK made life very affordable.

Very welcoming atmosphere which encouraged individual initiative and ideas.

I had three 'supervisors': a project mentor, student mentor and buddy, all of whom made time for me and responded when I needed assistance.

The pace and speed of work could vary depending on whether I needed to consult with my mentor, but generally consistent.

I was fully responsible for my own project, and generally trusted to get on with it.

Useful corporate exposure, insight into an emerging economy and foreign business culture together with an understanding how a large company tends to function.

I was in a large building but surrounded with fellow interns, the coffee was free and colleagues interesting and supportive.

I knew the basic parameters of the project before I arrived, but a degree of latitude did remain for it to be further shaped upon arrival. The structure was clear, and the efforts made to welcome and familiarise me into the company were comprehensive.

All of the resources I needed were quickly sourced for me, including the scheduling of conference calls. Formal training opportunities were available together with the chance to interact with Senior Management.

Very few interns tend to receive job offers directly from the internship program and the company employs the overwhelming majority of its staff in India.

Large international team, sufficient night-life, team-based travel opportunities were arranged every weekend.

The cost of living in India, even in a city, was dramatically lower than that in the UK. On site, it was easy to have a meal for less than UKS1.

Nightspots were sufficient, but tended to be one hour's drive away. Closing times also tended to be earlier than customary in the West.

Staff functions were held for the whole company and intern-specific workshops were also regularly held. Outside of the company, travel opportunities and activities were very easy to come by.