Customer Service and Business Strategy Intern Review

I really enjoyed my internship, I think coming into the internship I was unsure how it was going to work in this virtual environment. However, I think asides from the fact we were working from home, it has been a really valuable experience and may have had more networking sessions that if the internship wasn't virtual. I have really valued the number of interactive activities I have been able to undertake along with the rest of my cohort as they have made me feel part of the Amex family even from my home.

I think I felt really valued by my colleagues. There were definitely times where I did find it hard understanding exactly what my colleagues wanted from me. However, they were more than happy to help and answer lots of questions I may have had about my projects. I was surprised by how much my team actually valued my opinions, strategies and ideas. As going into the internship I thought maybe I would be observing rather than adding value for most of my time.

I was given lots of support by my manager/supervisor, as well as from the rest of my wider team and talent strategy team. My manager set lots of time aside for me to learn and ask questions. In particularly having a daily overview and chat with my manager I found really helpful, not just in terms of supporting my work but also supporting my wellbeing as in this virtual environment it can get lonely, and I definitely miss those interactions with my peers. So was really nice to set this time aside most days.

It will definitely assist me in my future studies and beyond. I have gain a variety of transferable skills from my learnings both personal and in particular about American Express. As well as the experience allowing me to identifying my key development areas that I want to focus and work on in the future. These skills I have developed will particularly be useful when applying to future jobs as have been able to reflect on what I have done well and my problem areas that I can work on when going forward.

I think I was generally pretty busy. There were a few moments where I did feel I was just waiting for others to get back to me and provide me with data. However, this was uncommon and generally my days were full of both my tasks in regards to my projects but, also the number of activities and sessions that were put on by the campus team. There was always something I could be attending and learning from!

The general atmosphere was really positive. I think given the environment of the pandemic for many of the interns this was really exciting after months of not being able to do very much. The teams I was in were also so welcoming so that even though we have never met we are still definitely part of team and part of the American Express family. So, overall a really great atmosphere to be a part of, particularly during the pandemic

They have definitely invested into my personal training and development and this was a key theme throughout the whole programme. I explained my key development areas at the start of the internship and Amex really listened and put in place actions to help me achieve these. Areas in which I wasn't so confident, practice sessions were put in place to help me improve and just generally across the company from the other interns to VP's help was always given both when asked but also offering advice through events such as speaker sessions from senior leaders.

I think the virtual experience definitely helped me to understand what it would be like to have a full time role within the company or firm. We were given projects very similar to the projects the graduates and analysts work on. And we worked on real life projects and strategies that American express has rolled out or implemented. We were also given overviews of roles across the business to gain a better understanding of different business units day to day activities.

The virtual experience definitely helped me to understand the company culture. I think at the start of the internship everyone kind of explained how positive the culture is at Amex and I didn't quite believe them. However, spending time over the last 6 weeks within the company, I have found that this positive culture is throughout all business units and this representation is so true. Everyone is there to help you achieve as much as you can and everyone wants you to win

I have gain a variety of transferable skills from my learnings both personal and in particular about American Express. As well as the experience allowing me to identifying my key development areas that I want to focus and work on in the future. These skills I have developed will particularly be useful when applying to future jobs as have been able to reflect on what I have done well and my problem areas that I can work on when going forward.

I think overall I had quite low expectations of how a virtual internship would work. I thought that there would be little networking experience, and it would feel very lonely. In fact I think that Amex have done an astounding job at combating these potential challenges and if the pandemic continues this is a great way of still gaining this experience from safe environment. I think they were absolutely FANTASTIC and all those involved in the setting up of the experience have done an amazing job in difficult times!

There we so many opportunities for networking and meeting other employees. Although these could not take place in person, within both my overall cohort of interns there were sessions with senior leaders set up. There were also specific sessions set up with interns in my particular business unit where we could speak to other senior leaders as well as those on the grad scheme currently. And on my manager level I was provided with opportunities to network with people across my department and business units.

There were so many networking and social event opportunities! These ranged from speaker sessions with senior leaders, to fun social events such as cocktail making or Pictionary. There were so many events that we could of attended and they definitely gave a good range that would suit all personality types. Moreover, they were always extra networking sessions available if you wanted and were super easy to access. As I said in the question before there were opportunities within my whole intern cohort, my business unit intern cohort and with my manager.

Yes I have found out about so many activities that employees can get involved in outside of work. These include different networks such as the Womens Network, Millennial Network and BAME. To charity groups raising money for some great causes as well as sporting and groups to help with your performance. Such as the Speakers club which is a group to help improve presentation skills and public speaking. There was a range of activities for all.

Yes, I would recommend this virtual experience to a friend. I think that coming into this internship I didn't think I would enjoy it even nearly as much as I have. I think this has been a really valuable experience from the side of learning about American Express as a company, just growing my knowledge. To developing these key transferable skills that I will take with me to both my studies and work in the future.