Sales Development and Business Strategy Intern Review

I very much enjoyed my work placement with Oracle, so much so that I extended my contact for an extra 2 months. I could honestly say that I woke up on a daily basis looking forward to get into the office. Very pleased with the overall outcome of the work placement.

My colleagues (although most of them much older than me) always made me feel welcome. I wasn't the "kid on placement" I was treated as a full member of the team. Colleagues treated me with respect and expected a lot from me (which was a good thing). Always got a friendly response when asking for help. Colleagues also relied on me with important work.

Support and guidance was always on hand throughout my placement. I was never 'left in the dark' when i needed support with work. Management and supervisors we're always just one call/email away. Any questions or queries of high importance got responded to quickly. Management is available to contact - supervisors always looking out for your best interests.

In short - very busy! I always had work to be doing. Never did I sit around doing nothing for a long period of time (which is great!) With a mix of projects and ad hoc tasks to complete I found my schedule to always be filled. Not once did i feel like I had too much going on. Always felt confident with a busy schedule, which is the responsibility Oracle will teach you and want you to have.

Huge responsibility! From meeting VIP clients and dealing with accounts worth £XX,000,000's this is just some examples of the responsibilities Oracle trusted me with. I was able to take lead in a few very important sales plays which were the results of the project had a huge impact on the whole UK business.

The skills I developed and the training I received during the placement will not only assist my studies but will be used throughout my future in employment. From emphasising the importance of units I have studied at University - to the commercial awareness of skills in the work place - the skills I learned will stay with me for life.

The general atmosphere in the office was very friendly. Everyone is always up for a chat and there is a never silent moment. However saying that, messing around while working is frowned upon. The atmosphere is always 'Work Hard' comes first. I wouldn't say the office was a 'fun' place but at the end of the day you are there to work.

Apart from a few minor changes to the initial plan of the placement, the overall set up was well organised. From day one it was known where you would be spending the majority of your time at Oracle. Inductions and training on the first week served as a stepping stone to a year in industry at Oracle.

Personal training and development is of high importance to what Oracle want to see from placement students. The ability of learning-on-the-job is always present. Development can be gained from a vast range of free training online classes and workshops. This is encouraged by Oracle and you are able to start training with a simple click of a mouse.

I have thought about this a lot. I can honestly say that if Oracle offered me a job tomorrow i would snatch it up quickly. Not only a great organisation on a CV, the opportunities at Oracle are endless whether that is exploring a new area of business, travelling world-wide, or furthering deeper into your chosen field. Future employment in Oracle is a real possibility for myself to think about.

There was many possibilities for a good social scene amongst fellow placement students. Working in London there are loads of possibilities to socialise after work or during weekends. However the placement students I worked with we're never up for a good time and after inviting people to social events constantly for 4 months, i gave up. I Didn't get paired up with other social placement students it seemed.

Central London - do i need to say any more? An absolute limitless range of socialising locations and events just a stone throw away from the office (the buzz of Shoreditch and Hoxton being a 2 minute walk away). And again it is Central London so the cost of living was extortionate but that's what London is.

Nightlife was top quality, lots of small bars and pubs near the office and late night clubs open till gone 2/3/4am most nights. Located a short walk away from Shoreditch High Street, one of the best areas in London for Nightlife. 20 minute journey on the London Underground Tubes will connect you to most parts of London with endless possibilities of nightlife.

Outside of work there was a possibility to join the Oracle football team. This however is located in reading which isn't easy for London commuters to travel to after work. I would say most opportunities are available for those who work in Reading (headquarters) whereas placement students in London are limited. However London workers have all the nightlife to choose from.