This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
First, I have to mention that the internship is all about the project you are given. Thus, my experience can be completely different from others' experience. Overall, it was very good with a few opportunities for improvement. The team treat you as equal and give you real work to do. I was given an impressive amount of responsibility and flexibility. Perhaps, I would've appreciated more task variety.
This was the best aspect of the internship. Interns are included in daily work and have their say. Also, all colleagues are incredibly helpful and always find time for interns if needed. As someone mentioned to me: "If you have a good reason for it, you can even set a meeting with Dave Lewis (CEO)."
There is a fine line between supporting someone and telling them what to do. By all means, I was given guidance and support. Still, I sometimes found myself stuck with my work and before given a "push" in the right direction.
I had to keep myself busy. Which was great when I knew what I had to do, but challenging when I didn't. Few times, I found myself with nothing to do. I asked for additional small tasks, but we found it difficult to do - it would take colleagues longer to explain to me than doing it themselves. Still, giving interns more variety should be encouraged.
I was responsible for a project affecting 900 stores in the UK. I was pioneering the approach and couldn't possibly finish it, but it felt great to leave a legacy. Multiple times, I was encouraged to make decisions and give my opinion on what should be done.
I developed my technical skills less than I had expected. On the other hand, I feel I really boosted my soft skills: project management, decision making... I had to engage with a lot of people, persuade, and get them on board.
The Company
My floor was very lively and relaxed. With open space and hot desks. Sometimes, it was perhaps too relaxed when I wanted to do some work on my own, without distractions, Still, I would always prefer this set-up over cubicles. Despite hot desks, people still cluster into their teams which compromises collaboration a bit.
There was very good organisation centrally, but because of the variety between departments majority of it came down to specific team. I was given a lot of guidance throughout about next steps from my immediate team. This did not always correspond with what was planned centrally.
It was really impressive how much time the management spent with us. Starting with assessment centre, this was not done by recruiters. It was managers and directors who took a day to choose the right people.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Company Parties/Events
Working from home
Tesco is a good place to work. You can either settle in your position or work hard and progress - both are encouraged.
The Culture
The group got broken down by teams.
Average for the area, close to London.
Non-existent. However, London was nearby.
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Details
Internship (1 Month+)
London
August 2018