Business Operations Analyst Review

The existing staff have all been extremely friendly and have made me feel welcome from day 1. I have undertaken a wide variety of roles in my time at Ceres Energy. The research part of the internship was particularly interesting as were studying a new and exciting transport fuel; biomethane.

The research we undertook in the use of biomethane in the bus transport market was important for the company as they needed to understand the current government subsidies available (namely RTFC's and RHI). Having regular meetings with superiors about our findings meant we felt valued. The fact that our report is still being used after the internship finished also meant we felt valued.

Regarding the research project, we were given an introductory talk to get us up to speed with the current market situation and what exactly the company wanted us to find out. Any further questions we had we were able to approach senior members of staff at any time, they were very welcoming and helpful.

For the research part of the internship, we had to deadlines that we had to meet meaning we were constantly busy. If we finished a project early then we spoke to a senior member of staff and they always had something else for us to do. The wide variety of tasks undertaken was one of the best things about this internship.

The research project was only one part of the internship, the rest of the time I was being trained as a 'Supply Point Administration' (SPA) analyst. This is a key role in the company that is focused on managing the gas sites for one of the company's biggest clients; Flogas UK. This involves managing the sign up process for their new sites and following task procedure to maintain a quality client relationship.

The research part of the internship helped to develop my teamwork skills as we had to write several reports as part of a four-person team. The SPA role as developed many of my skills; Using excel every day has rapidly improved this sill and I have had the chance to complete a 'VBA programming' course which will massively improve my programming skills. I have also developed my interpersonal communication skills as I have had to work with Flogas via phone and email.

The fact that the company is relatively small has meant I have got to know everyone on a personal level, everyone was extremely welcoming when I first arrived and this carried on throughout the internship. I have made friends with colleagues and the other interns. The office weekly meetings were a good chance for the team to come together to discuss on going tasks and raise any concerns/ problems that were being experienced. Overall, a positive atmosphere throughout the office.

We were given all the relevant information we needed to complete the research projects. For my SPA role, I was given a structured training plan that enabled me to see my progress. My supervisor was extremely helpful and was extremely approachable if I had any problems. The SPA training programme was very good equipping me with the necessary skills to succeed tin the role.

The wide range of tasks that I was asked to undertake as part of the internship made me feel like the firm believed in me even if the task was perhaps not in one of my strongest areas, If this was the case, I was given every opportunity to develop the necessary skills I needed to complete the required task.

Since I finished the internship I have stayed on to take over the role of SPA analyst. This is a 6 month extension to my role in managing one of the company's biggest clients; Flogas UK. Because I am taking a gap year, this opportunity has enabled me to earn a graduate wage and earn valuable experience while saving money to go travelling. I believe all interns were offered the chance to stay on, the future prospects within the organisation are therefore very good.

During the time of my internship there was 1 company party that we were invited to, there is not much of a social scene amongst the office staff although this probably due to the small nature of the company and the fact that I am one of several employees under 25. One of my good friends from uni did the same internship so that was a big positive.

Most of the employees live in Newcastle and commute to Hexham, although there is not a lot going on in Hexham itself, this is not really an issue with Newcastle being so close by. The cost of living in Newcastle is very reasonable and the train is not expensive at all.

Poor in Hexham but extremely good in nearby Newcastle

We were invited to one party during the internship, since I have stayed on there have been several more social gathering s including a charity ball and an office Christmas party.