Vendor Services Intern Review

My internship had multiple opportunities for growth and development. For example, I was able to undertake a variety of tasks on a day to day basis and was often seconded to other tasks outside of my remit. I also really got along with everyone at GE which was a great help, and there was an amazing support network.

My colleagues always did their best to ensure that I had work to do, and anything that they gave to me was highly valued. For example, everyone was always very grateful when you produced a piece of work. There is also the option for rewards to be handed to you as part of GE's R&R.

At GE we had monthly 121's which would discuss development and potential areas for improvement. These conversations were often extremely open, and you would feel comfortable in expressing any concerns you had. There were also many training opportunities provided to the interns such as LEAN projects and boot camps run throughout the year.

For the first half of my internship I wasn't as busy as I hoped I would be, due to a change in business strategy my role didn't have the importance that it used to therefore the workload decreased. However, once I took responsibility for my function, I was a lot busier - however sometimes too busy. Despite this, there was always conversations with my manager about my workload and it was appreciated.

At the beginning of my internship I was asked to lead a project which involved the archiving of files. Although this was a project lead, the project wasn't critical too the business - therefore not too much responsibility. However, as the business I was working in shrunk, I was given a lot of responsibility and acted as the sole point of contact for internal queries - however this was earnt.

I don't believe that the hard skills I received at GE will help me in future, as they were specific to GE itself as a business. However, the competencies I have learnt such as stress management, prioritizing workload and communication / presentation skills will stay with me. I definitely think that my time at GE will be helpful for securing me a grad job in the future.

When the atmosphere was bad in the office, GE would always take the extra steps to make it better. For example, we had a work pizza lunch where we ordered Dominoes. We also had several coffee and cake breaks as well. It was very relaxed (in my team at least) and we were allowed to chat and have fun together. We even had a puppy in one week!

It's extremely difficult to get set up at GE, mainly due to the amount of access that you need. For example you need a phone, laptop / desktop, access to software etc. This can sometimes be difficult to obtain. However, saying this my manager did start attempting to get access in February (I started in June) so there was a considerable effort made.

We had a few courses on online GE guidelines such as money laundering, violence at work etc. However, there wasn't very many training opportunities offered in terms of Excel etc. Due to the businesses decision, they did decide to hold outsourced seminars on LinkedIn and CV Writing - however I don't think this would have been for everyone within GE (just Capital)

I've given this a 5, purely because within GE Capital I will not get a job due to the business decision. However, as there are so many businesses within GE itself, I still yet may be able to get a job with the general GE businesses if I wish and I believe my manager would recommend me. I would definitely consider working for GE again.

There was often many social opportunities out there. Me and my team went out on christmas lunches etc (sometimes paid for). There was also a Christmas Party, a party up in London with our colleagues from there. There was a lot going on around Christmas!! Fellow placement students tended to have the odd night out here and there.

Bristol is not a cheap area to live nor socialise. I lived down Gloucester Road which was the most buzzing but also expensive area. I would therefore recommend moving further out / closer to work (especially if you know that the traffic will be bad - after all you will be spending the majority of your time working, make sure it's easy to get to!!)

Bristol is always a good night out! As it is a student city there was a lot of places to go out. However, I would say it is expensive on a weekend which is the only time that you will be able to go out (as you will be working!!!!). Therefore maybe consider going to somewhere which is cheap all the time. However, GE is relatively well paid so it's fine....!

Yes. Outside of work I did a muddy run. There was also the option to take part in bike rides, tough mudder etc. There was also plenty of opportunities to volunteer. As GE emphasises their Woman's Network, HealthAhead and Volunteering - there is always a lot of opportunities to take part of these. GE also offers a day of volunteering paid.