Environment and Sustainability Intern Review

I very much enjoyed this placement at Siemens, based in Manchester. I was fortunate to have many opportunities that were both inside and outside of my role. I was able to develop all my skills to better my career as well as have a good time doing it.

I didn't realise how close my colleagues and i would become by the end of my placement, almost like family. I could speak to them about anything practically and was also invited to go get lunch or tea with them. The interns and graduate on our site quite often sat with each other at lunch so we became a family. I also felt valued to a large extent where my opinion was heard and noticed.

I had regular monthly 'catch ups' with my line manager and was given the support I needed when i asked for it. But i would have liked more guidance on some of the tasks i had been working on and felt upon occasion that my line manager was too busy. My other colleagues were able to offer me guidance if my line manager could not.

My tasks were long term based and writing documents, that could take me a while to do or a short time to do. After a while I grew a little bored of the tasks but my colleagues that i sat with always had something for me to do so that i wasn't doing the same thing all the time. Some days i was really and some days I wasn't, I didn't mind that though as i was able to catch up or reflect on what i had done.

Depending on the task, I was given a lot or a little responsibility but i would say that i was given a large responsibility especially when running and setting up events or training courses. I also had a lot of responsibility with my tasks as i was given a lot of freedom which made me responsible for my tasks.

Some of my skills that i felt that i developed through this placement were: - Microsoft office, powerpoint and excel skills - Communication skills - Interpersonal skills - Research skills I had the opportunity to complete various training through my placement such as: - IEMA Environmental sustainability skills - Business influencing skills through the Intern Development Program that Siemens run for all Interns - Internal Audit training

The site was always very friendly and cheerful, and there was always something you could get involved with such as CSR or charity events like sports day. My floor is quite quiet but my colleagues make up for that and if i wanted to have a chat i could always go visit the other floors.

Overall the placement was set up well, but i was the first intern that my line manager had so he didn't know about certain things such as the Intern Development Program or whether i could have my own phone or not and i didn't know either. So I had to find out for myself some of the questions I had but there were other interns on site that I could ask but I would have liked my manager to know more.

The company provides an Intern Development course which has two modules that are through an external provider that develops business skills. I was also able to get involved in other training courses that they were running such as an internal audit course.

The possibility of future employment prospects is quite high but it depends on the business you are placed in within Siemens and whether they have the resources to hire a graduate. But they are very likely to employ interns in the graduate scheme.

There are a couple events hosted by Siemens such as the Christmas do etc. But also there is a group called NEXT that organises different social events and outings such as pay day pub trips and cinema trips, I was able to help organise these activities and there was always someone who was interested in doing something.

I was based in Manchester, so as a student there are a lot of houses and rooms available that are student priced but it really depends on the area. Socialising is the same but Siemens offer discounts for different places such as cinemas and restaurants.

Lots of places to go depending on what you like but I'd definitely recommend Deansgate.

There is so much to do in Manchester such as gigs and different events, just depends on what you're into.