Financial Analyst Intern Review

I've really enjoyed my time on the Finance Internship, it was great to get an insight into finance at Tesco and it's made me aware of areas for development going forward and for finance graduate programmes. The most valuable aspect of the internship for me was speaking to the current finance graduates and hearing their career journeys and the ways they've managed the CIMA exams whilst working full time. Another really valuable aspect was meeting the Leadership & Executive team and hearing their career and success stories.

One of Tesco's core principals are to "treat people how they want to be treated" and I've really experienced that. Compared to other internships I've been on, I've never felt more valued and welcomed here and I've felt like a member of the team from the very beginning and not 'just the intern'. Also, I've never felt more invested in. This is really evident from the amount of time the senior leadership team (including Chief Operations Officer, Chief People Officer, Commercial Business Leader, Director of Finance... and the list goes on) has dedicated to meeting and speaking with the interns.

Throughout the internship I had constant communication with my Finance Internship support group; my internship buddy (who's a current graduate), my line manager and unit division leader. It was also very easy to put time in with any member of staff outside my direct support group, normally having my email request to meet accepted immediately. There existed a culture of curiosity, whoever you wanted to meet was as interested in you and your journey as you were in them. Also, if you needed help everyone was willing to help you understand something around the business and your work. I also had regular check-ins with the Central Internship Team to ensure all was going well.

The day's were pretty filled but, due to the internship having to move to a virtual platform, both work and lots of optional social activities where put into your calendar so there was never a dull day. My work will take up most of the day but there was always time to unwind and socialise with friends over Microsoft teams. The work to be completed was well structured and guidance was provided by my line manager anf support group throughout. Also, thanks to the virtual platform, I had the opportunity to sit in on meeting outside my main work and was able to get an insight into wider finance.

An aspect of the internship was the Group Project. In this project we were to create a Microsoft SharePoint that was to go live at the end of our internship. It was exciting working on this as the completed work will be around long after we'd finished on the internship. I also had the chance to present at the Head of Finance level meetings, which was a great opportunity to work on my presentation skills.

Throughout the internship I used data analysis software and received training on them. The training I received gave me a really good understanding of how these pieces of software work and how they can be used to add value to the business. Using software will be a important aspect of any data analysis role so it was great to get experience with the different pieces of software and to also leave with the knowledge of where to up-skill in before applying for a graduate role in finance.

On the occasions I visited the office, the atmosphere was really friendly and everyone wanted to meet you. When you'd have a Microsoft teams meeting you'll always be introduced first and it was always really welcoming. Everyone was always nice and asks lost of questions and offered their help if I needed it in anyway. The office is on a campus with lots of greenery and even a football pitch! It seems like to have the perfect balance of work and social space.

The internship was really organised and structured well. A week prior to the start of the internship, a laptop computer was sent to me so I may work from home. During the internship my calendar was well populated and my support group was in place should I require any help. If their were any technical issues we were told who to contact and was given all the details and instructions to do so. Towards the end of the internship their was a celebration event. This virtual internship was seamless and really well organised.

The senior leadership team dedicated a substantial amount of time meeting and speaking with the interns. We had the opportunity to meet with a new executive or a director every week and had the chance to hear their career journeys and to ask them questions. I was also given time and support to up-skill with data analysis software and to work on my presentation skill, both of which will be really important when applying for future graduate roles.

After speaking with current graduates, the managers and the senior leadership, future employment prospects at Tesco seem to be really good. Their was a clear plan of progression in place and graduates seem to have a good understanding of this and of exactly how to progress in their careers. Theirs also many opportunities to work abroad, in Europe and in Asia as Tesco operates in 13 countries, which is fantastic for anyone wanted to get some experience of another country.

Even with the fact that the internship was on a virtual platform, their were lots of social activities to take part in. The Central Internship Team had arranged lots of social event which interns can attend, this was a great opportunity to meet the other interns. The finance team also had lots of social events including scavenger hunts and quiz's on a Friday, this too was a great way to unwind at the end of the week.

The internship was on a virtual platform.

The internship was on a virtual platform.

The internship was on a virtual platform.