Business Operations Intern Review

I really enjoyed my placement at Ceres Energy. The work was interesting and challenging and it felt like we contributed to key business decisions. The small nature of the company means that interns get direct access to the Managing Directors which is incredibly beneficial. The projects set are varied and can change day to day depending on new information which kept the work interesting.

I started at Ceres Energy with 2 other interns which was really enjoyable as we all really got on. We were set projects between us and had the freedom to bounce ideas off each other and have debates on which direction to take the work in. Even though we were interns, I felt valued as an employee and was given work that was essential to the business. Management always gave great guidance and feedback on projects. I was also given the opportunity to develop key skills such as excel, presentations and VBA which as an intern made me feel really valued as the company cared about my personal development.

Each project we were given was set by either the director or manager. We would be set a task and would have the freedom to research and pull together a project on our own. The director would often come and see how we were getting on and challenge our ideas (I learnt quickly to know exactly where a number on a spreadsheet came from!) The directors and management are really friendly and accessible - both for work and personal issues.

The workload could vary day to day depending on what was happening in the industry at that moment. Some days an urgent project could come in and everyone had to get involved which made for really exciting work. Other days could be slower and it was a case of working through the long term projects - although this was still enjoyable as we were working as a team.

Ceres as a company showed a lot of respect to us as interns and gave us business critical projects. We saw our projects turned into key papers or presentations that were then delivered in client meetings which was incredibly rewarding. We were invited to a client meeting which was a great experience. We were also expected to be able to explain our work thoroughly and clearly and would be challenged on our ideas which ensured the work was to a high standard. I was also working with clients and trusted to maintain the strong business relationships.

The skills I gained from this internship are transferable to most careers. My knowledge of excel and VBA has improved massively through daily use, tutorials from more experienced members of staff and formal training. Attending business meetings and key client meetings is also an experience that I will take away with me. Punctuality and time management are also skills that I have developed as a part of this internship. I have also developed skills in communication, both on emails and the telephone.

Ceres Energy is a relatively small company with approx. 15 members of staff working out of the office. This meant that the atmosphere in the office was always really friendly. Starting in a team of 3 interns was great and we actually had a lot of fun even though we were working hard. The office is very inclusive and we were invited to socials etc outside of work which made us feel part of the team.

The organisation of the placement was great and ran very professionally. We were supported by both Ceres Energy and the university.

Ceres invested a lot of time in our development as interns. I worked one-on-one with the managing director and operations director, both who have years of experience in the market, which gave me access to valuable knowledge. We were invited to key client meetings to get exposure and further our professional development. I also received training on excel and VBA after expressing an interest in these areas.

After a successful 10 week internship, I have taken a full time job with the company. I have been here for just over a year and continue to develop both professionally and personally. The job remains interesting and challenging and the business is ever-changing which helps keep the work exciting.

I started with 2 other interns who I did not know before the internship. We all got on really well and would socialise outside of work. We would often go to pub quizzes, to play tennis or on nights out. We would usually go out for lunch together at work.

Social life around the office was great (worth noting the office has since moved locations since my internship) - the cost of living in the direct area was quite high; however there was great access from a variety of transport methods. The office has since moved locations and the social life around the office is probably less lively; although, it is a really nice area.

The office is located close to Newcastle and the nightlife in Newcastle is amazing. There are two universities in Newcastle; Newcastle and Northumbria, so the nightlife is great no matter what night you go out on. Newcastle as a city also has loads to offer in terms of activities, drinking and eating.

As Ceres is a smaller company, there aren't that many activities scheduled outside of work. That being said, with work, I have participated in charity runs, leaving socials, garden parties and lunch trips. Outside of work, in Newcastle and the surrounding areas, there are so many activities that you could get involved in.