Food Intern Review

I have learned so much about the different areas and possible job roles within the retail industry in only 10 weeks. I have had the chance to be invited to so many different opportunities (supplier visits, supplier meetings, team days, divisional meetings...) that I have never once felt bored or useless to my team.

I was sceptical about starting an internship for such a big company, I thought it would be hard to feel valued amongst the numerous colleagues. However, my team was absolutely lovely and supportive, and so were the other colleagues I met or worked with during the 10 weeks.

My line manager was extremely helpful. Tesco encourages this culture of support and guidance, I have always been taken care of and had weekly check ins with my managers. My whole team was there to help me out if need be, and I have felt like I could ask for help at any point and not get shut down.

It varied immensely, the first few weeks are quieter as it takes a while to get adjusted to the new position and understand your role within the company. Once settled, you do get quite a bit of work but nothing bad, especially since help is given if you are struggling with anything. It is mostly about have good time management, freeing time up if you need to work on something or filling in the gaps by meeting new colleagues, attending training and events or taking on extra work.

You get quite a lot of responsibility which is a very good thing as you feel like you are actually doing something concrete for the business. You are taken seriously and listened to as most projects assigned to interns are actually rather intense and important.

Whilst this internship has very little relation to my degree studies, I have been able to discover a new side of the business and possible career paths as well as new ways of working and skills. Tesco really encourages colleagues to find the position which suits them most and develop a varied skill set. As a company, they are very understanding if you wish to change job roles or categories, which is quite unique compared to other companies.

Very good atmosphere, serious when it had too but fun the rest of the time! Very nice environment to be working in.

I have to say the beginning of the internship is very disorganised. You are being told which job role and category area you will be joining a couple of minute before you are actually supposed to join the area in question. You are mainly only told about general information on the introductory days (first 2 days of the internship) but nothing specific or very relevant.

You get a sense that the company really invest time and effort for you to develop as an individual and grow your knowledge and skill set.

The future employment prospects are extremely appealing. You get a shot at getting a spot onto the graduate scheme and all the possible promotions and career paths once you completed the scheme.

The social scene is very good, whether with colleagues or fellow placement student you get the opportunity to regroup and take part into various activities outside of work.

Cost of living is rather high as it is close by London. The social scene in the area is quite poor as aside from Tesco offices there isn't much to see or do. However Welwyn is a very pretty town especially in summer.

Non-existent.

There is a great company gym and a multitude of fun activities organised by the company to which you can partake.