Air Commerce Data Analytics Intern Review

My placement at Travelport was a nice experience, which helped me to shape my preferences regarding the future of my career.

I was working as part of the Sales Strategy & Operations team in the Air Commerce department. The atmosphere in this department is quite team-oriented, and as a result, you are treated as a normal/permanent employee. Other team members were always there to help me, and they often asked about my opinion/suggestions on work-related issues.

My manager was very approachable and supportive. As a result, I was never afraid to ask her questions. At the beginning of my placement, I was given all the necessary instructions and guidance that I needed. Throughout my placement, my manager also scheduled 1:1 catch-up meetings on weekly basis, and was always available if I needed something.

I usually had enough work to do on daily basis. For the Data Analytics placement in the Air Commerce department, the extent to which you will be busy depends on the number of live projects as well as on the amount of ad-hoc requests received.

At Travelport I was given real responsibility, especially after the 3-week handover period. For example, most of the reports that I produced were usually distributed to senior members of Travelport and then onto the customers themselves.

My placement at Travelport proved a great opportunity to develop transferable skills, especially in the areas of team-work, problem solving, time management, report creation & presentation, industry-related knowledge, and IT software (e.g. Microsoft Office, Qliksense, IBM Cognos).

The environment at Travelport is relaxed as well as team oriented. Hence, it enables you to perform and develop. Everyone is happy to help you in case you need anything and/or answer any questions you might have.

The intern program at Travelport is very well structured. HR is always looking at reviewing and improving the program. There usually is formal on-the-job training during the 3-week handover period, where the intern that you will be replacing (at the end of this 3-week period) takes you through the main tasks and responsibilities of the job. A huge selection of free online courses is also available on Travelport’s internal webpage, ranging from MS Office and general business-related courses, to programming and the delivery of effective presentations.

You are free to learn and develop as much as you wish. There is a huge selection of free online courses is also available on Travelport’s internal webpage, ranging from MS Office and general business-related courses, to programming and the delivery of effective presentations. You are free to use this material and develop, according to your own preferences.

Travelport doesn't have a graduate scheme in place, so you are not guaranteed a job at the company when you graduate. Permanent vacancies open as and when required. There have been occasions where previous interns have returned back to the company after they have graduated.

There is a Social Club which organises various events on monthly basis (e.g. sushi night, theatre night, footgolf etc.). There is also an informal group of employees who organise and play 7-aside football every Tuesday evening after work. Finally, there is usually a team night out (i.e. dinner & drinks) from time to time. In general, there are opportunities to socialise with other interns and colleagues.

I was living near Hatton Cross and the area doesn't have much to offer, so the cost of living was relatively low (compared to living in Central London for instance).

At Travelport, interns are usually asked to decide on and undertake a charity project as part of the program. This usually leads to many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work.