Operations Control Tester Review

The experience has been very enjoyable. I have been able to challenge myself and the way that I think about tasks through the tutorship of my manager. Due to the responsibility placed on me during the very first weeks of my internship I have been able to show that I am a capable and efficient professional. I have been part of a team that is always willing to help no matter the size of the task and they have made the experience all the more enjoyable for their friendly and spirited nature.

I feel like part of the team that I am working with. Everyone was very accommodating and supportive. I am the point of contact for a project which means that I am in constant conversation with all of the members of my team and the external teams that I need to turn to for help, all of which have been as helpful as they can. I believe that I have become a working part of the team, with queries being directed in my direction on topics that I am confident in answering.

My line manager has been extremely supportive. In both my personal and professional abilities I have received guidance and help in how I will be able to progress and improve so that I finish the internship a stronger candidate than I started. I have been informed of all discussions concerning the internship program and any projects that I am part of. We have weekly one to ones to discuss how I am preforming and where my effort needs to be for the coming week. I am taking part in interviews and shadowing other interns to gain an insight into different areas of the business as well as leading a project in order to push myself to being a strong member of the team.

My workload has been varied; when my level of work is high I am able to divert time to the tasks that are most pressing. When the level of work has fallen, it has been difficult to pick up additional work. During most weeks if the workload is spread between the days then I find that the balance of work is good. When the workload is balanced towards the beginning of the week as it often is, the work does tend to run by Thursday/Friday. I am requesting more work but due to the important and technical nature of the team member’s work I am often unable to help them in it.

After a week of training around the team I was positioned to manage a project that involved training up another team that would be doing the same role as the one that I work in. I began hosting calls with management and creating plans for the ten weeks and beyond. I organised a two day training trip where the three man team came to my office to receive mentoring in all areas of the business from my team. For this I had to fit training around multiple schedules as well as ensuring that the teams had enough time to transfer knowledge between them.

The skills that I have developed during my time at LBG will definitely be transferable. I have grown in confidence in my leadership ability; my manager has guided me in management at how to understand the wants of those that are part of my project. I have learnt time management and the importance of creating accountability in order to make sure tasks are completed. My skills in analysis have also improved, something that I will undoubtedly be using in my degree studies, in how to understand what people are trying to say and the points that they personally want to push forward have been key to my ability to do my job.

The atmosphere is predominantly professional. It's was fun after the work is completed and everyone is always up for a chat and a laugh. I feel that my team is a group of hard workers that have great attention to detail and drive when completing tasks. There were opportunities to take time to relax and have a bit of fun on a Friday which was always welcomed.

The internship is a well organised operation. Line managers had to apply to gain an intern so they have time to spend with you for development. There are also tasks that go on around the core of your placement, with charity work and challenges to help improve the business. All information during the application process was sent out in a timely manner and contained all that it should.

The company allows me to move between departments during my time, this allows me to gain training in various aspects of the business. I have also completed all the mandatory training for my role through the learning portal available to me as well as some additional learning that come from additional tasks I took on through the Charity work I am doing.

Provided that I perform well during the Internship I should be offered a graduate role. This would be in the area of business that I am currently in on a competitive salary. The graduate job would allow me to explore the areas that my are operates in to gain experience and opportunities that would not be available to those that do not rotate through such a scheme.

I have a good relationship with the other interns, spending time with them after work and on the weekends has made the experience of the internship far more enjoyable. It has been good to be able to go out for food or to relax with them after work as we can all relate to what's happening in the business.

Due to the fact that I live in the area my living costs are very low. It is not an expensive area to live or socialise so when I do spend money on going out with the other interns it is well within my budget. My only expense is the train, whilst not expensive, it isn't cheap for the service.

Cardiff has a very good nightlife for the size of the city. Most nights you are able to go out on if you want and on the weekends clubs, pubs and bars are always busy and have a good atmosphere. There is rarely trouble on a night out and it is a safe city.

It is not something that I have looked into. However I have been invited to activities spanning from sailing to laser tag, all of which are available within the city centre. There have been events on throughout the summer including food and drink festivals, conventions and sports events such as the Welsh Velothon.