Bespoke, Manufacturing and Invest Controlling Intern Review

I found the work challenging and engaging and I never felt bored or found myself with nothing to do. I also really liked the fact that Rolls-Royce has such a large intern community, this made it the whole experience a lot more daunting - it almost felt like a mini university.

I felt that my work was appreciated and often received thanks and praise upon completion of a task as well as consistent support and encouragement throughout its completion. I was always included in meetings and was able to voice any concerns or questions freely, I truly felt like part of the team.

What was required of me was always clearly explained with a lot of support given initially on how to complete tasks, as I grew more confident in the role this was slowly withdrawn allowing me autonomy over how to complete a task. However, they were always available should I have a question or need some assistance.

I felt like my day to day tasks were quite unpredictable as to what was needed, but this is what made the role interesting no two days were the same. Month end was always a particularly busy week, then my individual and supporting projects sustained me in the weeks in between.

Initially my work was checked for mistakes and I took on supporting roles within existing projects. Then as I became familiar with the role and the company I started taking on more tasks and processed from colleagues being solely responsible for their completion, as well as seeking out my own projects within areas of interest.

My excel skills have vastly improved which will significantly aid in the data analysis section of my dissertation. I also became accustomed to SAP a software I had not previously used and will be largely beneficial in my future career.

My office was quite quiet but it was a comfortable silence, everyone appreciated the fact that others were busy and looking at numbers all day requires a certain level of concentration that is much easier to maintain in a calm and quiet atmosphere.

This handover was extremely well organise, I had six weeks with my predecessor to become accustomed to the role, and I am not sure I would have ever got up to speed without it. I was able to watch tasks being done and ask questions, particularly regarding SAP, before having a go myself with my predecessor; so, that I had had several practice runs before having to do the tasks solo for the first time this helped me to feel much more confident.

I was able to attend many training sessions, and the placement really is what you make of it. Initially there was a lot of introductory company trainings to familiarise yourself with the corporate world and then with Rolls Royce. Throughout my placement I took part in sessions both online and in person, including but not limited to topics such as values, diversity, leadership and even modern slavery and fraud.

There are many graduate roles throughout the company that are highly sought after due to their development opportunities including international placements. They are competitive but definitely achievable and I am sure having already completed a placement and being familiar with the company will stand you in good stead for this.

There were frequent activities organised outside of work such as the Christmas party both for the department and between interns. There are a large amount of interns at Rolls Royce as well as a University in the town so there is a great social scene to be had.

Down south is known to be quite pricey, but there are ways of marking it affordable - the biggest saving for me and also great fun was choosing to live with other interns in shared accommodation.

There are a few "clubs" in Chichester which is where most people choose to live due to the proximity to the office. There are many bars and pubs too but the clubbing scene is a little lacking, but there is Portsmouth on the doorstep which is a great night out guaranteed. Also Southampton and London are also accessible via rail links.

I personally joined the local rugby team which was great for fitness as well as the social side, I made many friends. The local college gym is also very affordable and offers climbing sessions. Weekend trips to Bath, Brighton, London, Southampton (Ikea!) are also at your disposal with each city having something unique and interesting to offer.