Engineering Intern Review

The Virgin Media/Liberty Global placement year has gone above and beyond expectation .It's clear that this placement is very much centred around personal development of the intern, instead of the view that they are just cheap labour. The company makes sure that you are constantly taking part in workshops and events, which are meaningful and benefits the intern.

This is very much specific to what team you're placed in, I was very lucky to be placed in a very talented team of professionals who go well out their way to help you with whatever questions or query's you have. The team regularly has social events and meet ups, which the Interns are always invited too. The Interns are treated just like any other permanent employee.

Again this is very much down to where your placement is. I was lucky enough to be sitting next to my line manager , who acted as a mentor all year, he would go out his way every time to make sure I feel comfortable with the work i'm doing. There was no point in my placement where I felt I had no where to go for guidance.

It varies from day to day like any other job, some days you'll find you have enough work that before you know it the days over. Other days you won't be as busy, but as always you can ask your line manager to give you something to do. The days with less work at good because you find it balances out the days where you are very busy.

At no point was I treated like 'just an Intern', of course responsibility is built up over time, but that time comes very quick. Virgin Media makes sure the Interns are treated like any other employee. I was given tasks and projects to manage and own that would have financial impacts, to show you they're not scared of giving the interns responsibilities.

We used a software development cycle known as 'sprints', this is a growing function which is being used by many modern companies. Experience being part of the sprints at Virgin Media provided valuable experience. I was also given the opportunities to refine and enhance knowledge and skills with computer languages and software which I will use in my final year of university. Although I chose to do something different, where possible Virgin Media will help you with your dissertation project, in terms or research.

Virgin Media has a very fun company culture steaming back from the Richard Branson days. The department takes part in quarterly off site events as well as socials. With everyone getting along. You are made welcome as soon as you join. For this years world cup our office had many different events and activities, which made watching the world cup even more enjoyable. With friendly competition in the office.

This is definitely a scheme which has had a lot of thought put into it's structure. Credit to the early careers team at Virgin Media. Who make sure you always have someone to talk to for any questions or query's. The Scheme also have a very useful induction week. There are many social events and other workshops to make sure the intern and grad community stays connected. The Interns and Graduates even have their own 'committee'.

The Interns take part in quarterly 'supercharge' workshops which are designed to enhance and enrich useful skills that will help you progress during the year. You are also given access to take part in accredited courses free of charge. Virgin Media also funds for you to go on countless events and galas across the country, making sure you're rewarded for you work during the year.

I would happily apply for the Graduate scheme at Virgin Media, this will consist of 4x6month placements that could be anywhere around the company. The main factor is the company culture and how much time and effort that they have put into making sure we've had a worthwhile placement year.

I never expected there to be a 'Grad committee', don't let the name fool you, they look after the interns as well, this is a committee made up (usually) of 2nd year Graduate students, who regularly put on social events , some weekly such as 5-a-side football. There is a very tight knit grad/intern (old and new) community through out the company .

Not living in the South before, I found the cost of living fairly high, especially the housing cost, Hook, Reading and Basingstoke, the three areas surrounding the main office isn't the cheapest. With a cost of a pint being around £5. However you are given a welcome bonus to help with the start up costs of moving.

I live in Hook, where there is three pubs and no clubs. I would recommend those based in Hook to live in either Reading or Basingstoke. Those working and living in Hammersmith, Birmingham or Manchester, had (of course) a far better night life.

There are weekly sports groups including 5-a-side football, cricket, netball and running groups. Every couple of months opportunities do come about to travel around the country for different events.