Business Administration Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement. I was exposed to a lot of opportunities and projects, much due to my own engagement and ambition. I got training (because I stepped up) and reward and recognition (because I asked for it). I learned a lot both from experience, mistakes and from observing managers and colleagues. But none of this would have happened unless I asked for it or made sure it happened. Atos has everything you need, but it is what you make it.

As an international student, I will always feel a bit estranged but many of my colleagues tried to make me feel included and invited me to events and nights out which was much appreciated. It was closer to the end of my placement, after I had been working on several projects, when I started feel valued the most - when colleagues realised what a difference I was making and appreciated my efforts and improvements even more so.

I could not have had a better manager at my placement! Even though she was busy and we had to postpone meetings from time to time, she always made sure I was doing well and showed support. More importantly, she trusted me to come to her when I needed to and say no to tasks when I was already swamped, which I did.

I kept myself very busy! The best thing about the office I was that I had my daily tasks but also a lot of 'free time' to explore and create my own projects, which I did. Sometimes it was hard to balance between boredom and "too busy" but I managed my own pace, on my own terms and I delivered. I could have done a lot less than I did, but I wouldn't have gotten as much out of it if I hadn't.

I was definitely running the show! Thanks to my burning ambition and strong work ethics, I proved myself early on and was considered a part of the management team (which no other intern had been before!). Throughout the placement, I was fully responsible for 5 projects of different lengths and several minor tasks given to me by my managers. I was also invited to a Strategic HR meeting with the Head of the Department and his boss (Head of Customer and Business Services) where I was asked to create a report for them and a business case they were creating.

I honestly can't wait until I get back to my HR units to discuss all what I've experienced and learned! I have truly managed to see theory in practice, as well as applied theory to my projects to improve the office culture and agent's motivation and performance. Furthermore, I have gotten a lot more project management exposure than expected, but this was all due to my own doing as I initiated the projects myself when I noticed areas for improvement.

Atos offers a lot of rewards and recognitions, events and fun days but, due to the location, you're missing out on some of the events in London for example. Atos has a lot of offices, everywhere, and they do try to include everyone as much as possible so this should by no means reflect the company as a whole. However, this office in particular is a little bit isolated.

The introduction and first month lacked in organisation I'm afraid. On my first week, it felt like no one expected me and I was sat by others watching them work whilst waiting for access to systems (login, email, e-learning etc.) which took almost two weeks. I expected more from a successful global company, (although it might be different at other offices!).

There is a mandatory week of induction training which was very interesting and useful. Then, e-learning of course with ethics, data protection, health and safety etc. I got a bonus training course, because I had expressed my interest, and received training in Lean and am now a certified Lean Champion. All thanks to my manager who knew my interests, suggested the training and invited me to it.

I have done very well with my placement and have been asked to stay on and work part-time whilst finishing my final year at University. I am also dead set on returning, but within a different department to pursue my interests, because Atos has a lot of benefits and you can climb high and fast if you are motivated and ambitious!

I was the only placement student in my office which made me a bit isolated. We had graduates in the office, but in different departments. Atos has GIA (grads, interns, apprentices) which creates events where everyone is welcome, although it's hard to attend when it is usually in London and I am located in North East.

Depends on what you compare with of course, but I felt it was definitely cheap! I had a decent sized studio, 5min from the office for £430 per month (excluding electricity and internet). Food, drinks, everything is cheaper than London or south of. Colleagues went out many weekends of the month, but I'm not a big drinker so I usually stayed at home.

There are pubs in Stockton, more pubs and nightclubs in Middlesbrough. More so in Newcastle, which isn't that far away. It isn't London, but there are a few places to choose from. I'm just the wrong person to ask since I don't really like nightclubs. I did like going to a Caribbean restaurant in Middlesbrough which has my kind of music, good drinks and happy hours 2-4-1.

The Stockton office is quite isolated and not much organised through the company here. We had more happening in office than outside it. There were some charity events and sports events promoted through Atos but I was never particularly interested. Most activities and bigger events were held in London, as you could imagine.