Food Summer Intern Review

I can honestly say that I looked forward to going in to work every single morning and would have happily undertaken the experience even if it had not been paid. Every day was varied and interesting and the 10 weeks flew by. The people also made it an incredible working environment.

Going in, I expected to be treated like an 'intern' and for people to be patronising and not want to waste their time on me, but the complete opposite was true. My colleagues were incredibly friendly and helpful, sitting down with me for hours at a time to talk about their roles and help me out with my project. I really was welcomed with open arms and definitely felt wanted.

I was given a project to undertake during my 10 weeks. Initially I wasn't given very much guidance which worried me but now looking back on it, I'm very grateful for that since it's representative of a real working environment where you can choose which direction to go in and your own methods of work. My supervisor and I had weekly catch ups on my progress however we sat near each together every day and would be constantly talking. Other colleagues also offered their support regularly, of their own accord.

It wasn't super stressful but it definitely was a packed schedule. I spent a lot of time shadowing and meeting other colleagues across different departments (something I chose to do but wasn't compulsory) as well as on supplier visits. It was then up to me to manage the remainder of my time working on my project. I got in at 9 every morning and left at 5 most days.

Not a whole lot, as expected, considering I was only there for 10 weeks. I wasn't given the responsibility of supplier negotiations or deciding quantities of product to order. I do feel however as if the work I did on my project was relevant to the business and I could really take ownership of that.

Tesco really do believe in investing in individuals and I went on numerous supplier visits which really helped me gain an in depth understanding of the business. The feedback I received throughout the 10 weeks was invaluable in developing me as a person and improving my work methods so as to achieve the best result in the most efficient manner. I definitely feel like the skills I gained are invaluable and that I'll be putting them to use in everything I do from now on.

Really good vibe. Lots of interaction between different teams as well as bouncing ideas off of each other. Very dynamic atmosphere and driving each other to do better as well as helping each other out. People genuinely wanted to see each other succeed. Lots of working together required and a sense of working towards the same goal

Very well organised. We spent the first few days on introductions and overviews of the business and then were quickly set up with our own laptops and access to the systems. Masterclasses were held throughout the whole 10 weeks to help us develop useful skills. There was a clear timeline and sense of purpose throughout.

Very appealing. If successful in the summer internship, you'll directly be offered a place in the 2-year graduate program (without having to redo interviews and assessment centres). The graduate program looks just as great as the internship. Having completed the summer internship I know I'd definitely fit in at Tesco and would love to work there.

Not much of a social scene in Welwyn Garden City. It is very close to London (although train and tube fares are expensive). I commuted from London and it took me about 1 hour 40 mins and I spent £15 per day getting to and from work. The cafes and canteens however are all subsidised so very cheap to meet up with fellow interns for lunch/coffee.