HR and Internal Comms Intern

Role Description

The Role

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

I enjoyed the responsibility that my role had. Working as the only person in my field meant that I had lots of freedom to think creatively and challenge the status quo. At times this meant that there was a lot of pressure but on the whole, the support network was in place to help.

4/5

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2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

I was given lots of tasks and responsibilities and was able to have exposure and liaise directly with very senior stakeholders. This made it feel as though I was an important cog in the machine and that what I was doing was valuable.

5/5

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3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

I was given the opportunity to explore areas of interest by my manager. She was very supportive of what I wanted to do and was also very helpful and supportive when I needed extra advice. As my line manager was quite senior, it was, at times, difficult to know when best to approach and ask for help, but we spoke about this and were able to find a good solution.

4/5

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4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

My role was quite seasonal based. For about 4 months, I was super busy - working very long weeks. For the rest of the time I went looking for more work to add to my day-to-day responsibilities. This didn't bother me too much as it meant I could tailor my role to my interests,

4/5

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5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

A lot of responsibility. As the sole representative in my field, it meant that I had the authority to shape and change. I was also given the lead role on events which were viewed as very important by senior stakeholders.

5/5

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6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

This year has set me up for the future by giving me many new skills such as stakeholder management but also by honing old skills such as time management and organisation. I feel much better equipped to take the lead on projects, to present and much more. This is mainly due to the responsibility and exposure a placement at Danone has.

5/5

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The Company

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

The atmosphere was great. The teams were very fast paced and energetic and this led to a great energy in the office. There were team drinks and company social events which really helped foster a great environment. Stress was sometimes palpable - unsurprisingly but obstacles were always approached positively.

4/5

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8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

The role had many aspects which were on an ad-hoc basis. As such it was difficult to plan for with any certainty. However, the handover and the awareness of what extra I could do to stretch me as excellent and I was made to feel a part of the team from the get go.

4/5

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9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

I was able to do trainings in areas such as digital. This was costly to the business but enabled me to become a digital champion and equipped me with skills and knowlegde I wouldn't otherwise have had. There wasn't loads of trainings available though.

3/5

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10. What were the perks on your work placement?

Flexi Time

Subsidised Canteen

Sports and Social Club

Subsidised/Company Gym

International Travel

Financial Bonus

Company Parties/Events

Above 25 days holiday

Working from home

Healthcare/Dental

3/5

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11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

Very - in fact I am on the grad scheme for the next two years. The core values and mission of Danone make it highly appealing for me.

5/5

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The Culture

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

Yes - we formed good friendships which I hope carry on after the year ends. We also had a whatsapp group which we used for social events - though we definitely could/should have organised more.

5/5

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13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

Living in London is expensive - there are no two ways about it. However due to Chiswick being outside of central London, I was able to afford something within walking distance meaning I didn't have travel expenses. I still managed to go out most weekends.

3/5

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14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

The business park had bars which were open and busy most of the time. The nightlife in Chiswick isn't great but you're not far from places like Hammersmith or Clapham which are more lively.

3/5

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15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

Yes- we had sports clubs which people could get involved in. There weren;t loads but opportunities were there.

3/5

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