Business Analyst Review

I really enjoyed my placement year at Sony, as I got to develop both professionally and socially in areas I would never have experienced without doing a placement. Working in a European team meant I got to meet and work with people from across Europe which was fun. Having lots of other interns in my office made the experience better not just socially but to learn about the other job roles.

From the beginning I was given plenty of tasks which had importance. I would do them guided at first but then would be trusted to do them alone. I believe I was valued as my team were so busy, taking the smallest of task from them would free up more time for them to complete the more complicated tasks, which they were always grateful for.

When I first started I got taught everything from the previous intern, which was good as it meant it seemed less daunting, however when the intern left, my team were always there to help with any questions I had. I never got any formal training as it was not required, it was more learn as you go which is better in my opinion.

I always had something to do, whether it was a daily task or responding to a query or email. There were times when I was really busy with projects, but depending on how quick I worked through my tasks there were times I had to ask for something to do.

I was given quite a lot of responsibility as the projects I had to complete would be within a time limit so I had to ensure I got them done on time and to the standard required. I also had to weekly provide reports which were used by people across Europe for replenishment and forecasting so it was important these were done on time and correct.

Althought the software I used during my placement I wont use in my final year of uni or are nessasarily standard, it was still helpful to learn about them and how they can be used to benefit the company. I think I appreciate the personal skills the most, like how to communicate, act around an office, in meetings etc.

As I was in the Finance side of the building it was quieter than the rest of the office, however as a team we would have chat and have jokes sometimes. The office itself was very open so it was very easy to go talk to someone without feeling like you were intruding their space.

I didn’t get very much communication from Sony before starting, but I heard lots from Hays, the agency who we worked for. So going into the placement I didn’t really know much about what I was doing or what would happen throughout the year, luckily the previous intern got in contact with me and answered my questions! There were some 'SPY' days organised where all the interns would get together and talk about our experience and we would get some help with self developement, cvs etc. We also got a trip to Pinewood Studios to do some filming which was fun!

I never did any formal training however my team did encourage me to learn as much as I can and ask lots of questions not just people within my team, but other departments to try gain as much insight into the business as possible. My manager was always willing to teach me new things!

All of the interns used to go for lunch around the same time and we would go to the 'fun room' to play pool or table football. We also used to go for drinks or out for dinner after work every week. We would invite colleagues who weren't students along too!

To me, it seemed very expensive, about half of your salary goes on paying rent, and I didn’t even live in Weybridge. However it should seem worth it for the experience! The pubs in the area can also be considered expensive especially if you are used to student prices – ha!

Our group of interns would generally just go to the pub; so depending on what Nightlife you enjoy, it is ok. Locally there is not alot you can do, Weybridge has like 2/3 bars, however it is easy enough to go further out to Clapham, Kingston or London for example.