Food Intern Review

I'm enjoying the internship at Tesco on the whole. The internship focuses more on commercial aspects than advertised so the work is different to what i expected, but there are so many opportunities to learn about all the different aspects and roles in a huge company. Plus, flexi-hours helps me tailor the job to my own schedule and life.

Starting any new internship or job is an overwhelming experience but the culture at Tesco is the best thing about it. Whilst you're never going to get along with everybody most people are very friendly, and willing to take time to answer your questions. Even outside my department (i work in food buying) most people i've asked have been willing to give me 30 minutes of their time to answer questions i have, from technical roles, to supply chain to data analysis. Also the other interns are literally some of the best people i've met.

Tesco does give you your own projects to manage and so your supervisor whilst stopping you from making any major mistakes takes a step back to let you get on with it. There is support if you want it, and people are willing to give that i just found it more from my 'buddy' (grad who keeps an eye on me), and the people running the scheme itself.

I know it's a cliche, but everyday is different. My project does keep my busy, and you've got to learn to balance doing that with doing other activities, such as factory visits. It varies alot between interns but on the whole i've had enough to do, sometimes abit too much - but it's manageable.

Tesco does give you alot of responsibility from day one. I've been working on the website and an idea of mine is in the process of being implemented. You might be an intern but the projects your given are usually quite good at letting you implement actual change, there's a keenness from management to make your time 'worth it'.

I felt under prepared by my degree coming into the role. Since being here my technical skills have improved so much, particularly excel. The type of skills here are the ones i'm not gaining from my degree so doing the internship is a really valuable learning experience, in giving me the tools to actually do a professional job.

The internship does have activities scheduled to get involved in, they're not compulsory so not everyone goes. There are people i haven't seen since the 1st day welcome speech. But, the people running the scheme are really friendly, and are open to feedback/ working to improve this so hopefully it'll be better next time.

The interns are genuinely so lovely. In my category (food) we've become quite good friends and have been out for meals, and drinks together after work. We get lunch together most days and let each other know about opportunities coming up other can get involved in e.g. factory visits. Mid-week meet ups in the evening work better as alot of people go home over the weekend.

It's cheaper than London but it's still a struggle to pay rent and socialize outside work. The company canteen is subsidized which mans you can get a full meal quite cheaply most days, and there's a free shuttle bus to the train station but be prepared for £5 pints in the local pubs.

Ok, so Welwyn Garden City is not the most buzzing area. There isn't alot to do at the weekend other than a shopping center and 2 pubs. If you want nightlife there is a regular train to London for less than a tenner. The grad team sometimes run social events in London after work that end with people going out.