Sourcing and Supply Chain Intern Review

I really enjoyed my placement within the sourcing department. It was a fast paced work environment, but there were new challenges to overcome every day. I think it has definitely enhanced my CV, and I would happily go back. The job wa stressful at times, but I think that added to the value of it, as it was a valid replication of working life!

I felt very valued by my colleagues. As a worked for a smaller part of the business, it meant I was engaging with senior leadership on a day to day basis, which was really good experience, but also pushed me to work harder. I loved my team, and am still in touch with them now.

I feel as though my manager was very supportive. She gave me a degree of autonomy to get on with my day to day tasks, whilst offering support if I needed it. She also pushed me to get involved with some cross functional projects, which turned out to be a great experience, and helped me to learn what the other functions in the business did.

Some days were busier than others, but on the whole, I'd day I was usually busy. Lots of the stuff was day to day repetition, but other things would pop up, for example a project that required me to collate a number of quotes, invoice queries, quality issues, which meant I was always on my toes.

I was given a very high level of responsibility, and I think that was a great experience. It pushed me to work harder, and better because if things went wrong, it could essentially mean a production stop! Sometimes it was very high pressure, for example, quarter end, but I think that added to the value of the placement.

After coming back to uni post placement, I feel as though everything makes a little bit more sense, having applied previously learnt theory to my placement. I also feel as though I have developed a number of core skills, such as communication. I also hope to do my dissertation on something relating to my placement.

The general atmosphere was good, everybody got a long and had a laugh, but at the same time, we could all be serious when issues arose, and needed to be sorted. Being in a manufacturing environment was very interesting, as it also meant working closely with the guys in production.

I think from the perspective of the organisation, I was another head. Although, personally, I feel like this gave me a better insight into working life, as opposed to being treated like an intern. Saying that, there were intern specific projects being ran that we were involved in, which allowed us to be more cross functional.

Although I loved my internship, I do feel as though there could have been. a bit more investment, e.g training courses. Although I do understand that as a temporary employee, they wouldn't want to invest in something they might not be able to keep. This was the only thing that let GE down in my opinion.

I was very lucky in that I managed to land myself with a part time job whilst I'm back at uni. I feel as though GE have a number of good graduate schemes, including OMLP, and I feel as though people with GE history are more likely to be chosen than somebody who doesn't.

I thought there was a good social scene, with the interns arranging activities amongst themselves, but also employee engagement across the wider GE business. We had events such as a bowling night, and a quiz night, as well as team specific nights out and dinners. Everybody got on really well.

My site was between Cheltenham and Gloucester. Cheltenham is generally a fairly expensive place to live, and Gloucester is a little bit cheaper. I would say this is a benefit, as you could pick either location depending on budget, and the transport links are great from either location! Trains and busses ran regularly.

I can't really comment as I'm not that much of a party animal, but the nightlife in Cheltenham isn't too shabby! There are a lot more bars compared to clubs, but still good for a night out, although maybe slightly expensive. Bierkeller was a hit for a team night out though!

Things popped up every now and again, but there weren't really that many. There were opportunities to volunteer in schools, and also an opportunity to help with the exhibitions in the GE tent at the Cheltenham Science festival, but other than that, there wasn't much. Unless you count the employee engagement events.