Business Leadersip Review

I really enjoyed this placement. My biggest achievement has been successfully designing and delivering a new process to capture the NPS of internal employees. The process is to be further scaled to several areas of the business. I had never heard of NPS before but I have been able to harness the expertise across Centrica and look externally to find a best practice approach. My project took me from networking to pitching my proposal to senior levels of the business ready for its implementation. It was a very rewarding experience to be recognised for my work and to see the project grow alongside my own personal development.

I didn’t expect to be working on such tangible work making a difference to how the business operates. But mostly, I didn’t expect for my input to be so highly valued and considered by others. I have been made to feel like a permanent member of my team throughout. This encouraging work culture has meant I look forward to coming to work every day.

From my first day, I have been given a huge amount of responsibility with the intention of getting the most out of my placement. I think what makes Centrica’s summer placement so special is the independence within your role to deliver the work, whilst the team around me have also made sure that I have the tools and guidance to really make an impact. I have led a change project that I will see through to implementation in my last week, this has been a great confidence boost to see my work come into the operation.

No two days are the same! As Centrica is a forward-thinking and fast paced environment, there is a great deal of variety. I’ve learned to find the balance of looking ahead whilst understanding what lessons have been learned previously. Also, since Centrica is such a huge organisation I have had the chance to meet a variety of people working in different roles, which has given great opportunity to gain additional insights beside those typical on my stream too.

I was given lots of responsibility such as my own project to lead, as opposed to stock work. It was a very rewarding experience to be recognised for my work and to see the project grow alongside my own personal development. It is difficult given the timeframe for loads- but I feel it was an appropriate amount given it was a summer internship.

Typically my Law course doesn't offer placements- but I definitely learnt a lot of skills, that simply cannot be taught in the classroom and that have made me more employable, such as effective stakeholder management. Training and investment was thoroughly shown by Centrica to us- I was able to attend courses and team days!

As a business leader I travelled to various offices in the country- but all were very welcoming and a space to work in. It was really nice being in such a nice environment. It is definitely a reflection of the type of people Centrica hire and the culture they strive to achieve.

The work placement was really well organised. Throughout the process from application to completion of the internship communication was superb. Everyone was happy to answer my questions right away which definitely kept my myself at ease as I went into the internship. The weekly newsletters meant we were always kept in the loop.

I was actually shocked by the amount of investment the company put into us- especially, given the fact that I wasn't there for an extensive period of time. It was more than just money they invested in us, it was time too- as opportunities to travel and work on personal objectives were supported throughout.

During my placement, I have fully understood the importance of company culture and understanding that it has to be a right fit- both ways. Centrica is a work environment that values its people and customers, and it comes across with it's collaborative and caring nature. I would definitely return to Centrica.

There were around 50 interns across the country, but most based in Windsor staying in Royal Holloway Uni accommodation. All the interns are similar to you in age and all really easy to get along with. It's like being in 1st year again- sharing halls, I loved it because we were all really likeminded!

The internship paid well and the accommodation of uni halls was paid for by Centrica. Costs were travel to and from work- but additional trips or meals would be expensed by Centrica. Often lift shares reduced costs but I was left in profit from my wage to the expenses. So it is reasonable.

Manchester had a really nice social life. I hadn't been there before but there was lots to do. It is a buzzing city with lots of clubs, bars and restaurants. It has a really good music scene so I would definatley check out some concert venues, I really like the Jazz festival.

Outside of work there was opportunities such as charity days. Centrica supports CarersUK so there were opportunities there. But, also volunteering days such as painting football grounds etc. Aside to this, there are also women's groups and sports clubs. Each office is different but in Manchester a football team meet every Wednesday. There is plenty to get involved- or, even start your own activity group!