This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
During my placement i was given a substantial amount of responsibility and ownership over my role. Everyday was different and i was in constant communication with other departments of the company, giving me the opportunity to meet more people.
I was instantly a respected member of the team and was never made to feel like an intern. I always had the support of my team and we worked together in ensuring that every task was met. I also knew that help was there if i needed it and was never made to feel stupid by asking a question.
Regular reviews meant that new projects/goals were set and that i could start work on something that would benefit myself as well as my team.
Everyday was different and flew by. There was always something to be getting on with, even when quiet you could use the time to produce online comp shops or help out a colleague.
A list of responsibilities was given to me at the beginning of my placement, this was then added to the more i progressed through the period. It was nice to have this as evidence of how far I'd grown during the year.
It was nice to put the theory of university into practice, and vice versa. Constant communication internal and external to the company gave me the chance to talk with a vast amount of people within industry. Familiarising myself with work systems and procedures is also something that will stick with me as i start my career. Regular meetings with HR meant that i could meet with and talk to various departments of the company giving me an in depth view as to how the business is run. Personal development sessions also taught me skills in presenting and self awareness.
The Company
Busy and electric.
At the beginning of the placement a starter pack was given to the interns outlining what we'd be doing over the next year, as well a detailed time line of key dates of meetings and events.
Regular personal development meetings were scheduled by HR, these consisted of group and individual exercises, as well as croissants and doughnuts. A Buyers Assistant meeting was held at the end of every month allowing the BA's to voice any concerns as well as guest speakers and tickets to exhibitions. You were also allocated a mentor who you went for regular lunches with to discuss any issues.
Financial Bonus
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
Above 25 days holiday
Healthcare from home
HR have kept in contact since leaving and are positive about jobs available after graduation.
The Culture
The interns had regular catch up sessions/meetings and formed a close friendship. Most teams went for after work drinks on a Friday giving you another chance to meet people within the company.
Central London so living costs were high if you wanted to live in the area.
Busy- lots of places to have dinner/listen to music.
Netball and running clubs were available.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
South East
October 2011