Management Assistant Internship Review

I found my placement really interesting and relevant to my course at university (business management). It really helped to improve a lot of my professional skills, whilst gaining valuable work experience. I really liked the structure of the company, and the flexibility to learn new business areas. The training was very useful and nothing that I had ever experienced before. You are constantly learning, with your colleagues and your managers helping along the way. I loved the customer interaction as well; I could actually see what all my dedication was working towards!

I can honestly say that I was treated as a valuable member of the team, and not just an intern. I was given real responsibility from the start which helped boost my confidence immensely. My colleagues were always there to help if I had any queries, but also gave me the opportunity to work things out on my own when needed. I think that is very important, as we all learn and develop at different paces.

My managers were really supportive. I worked very closely with both my assistant manager and branch manager, who both supported my learning and encouraged me to take on more responsibility as they, and I, felt ready for this. They really coached me in all my training sessions and ensured I was fully prepared for the next step in my career. Although this was a placement, Enterprise really help you prepare for a career in business!

Our branch was quite busy. We had loads of different customers and clients which made the time fly. I loved the aspect of a fast paced working environment. Each day was different, which helped progress my learning. I would have different challenges and goals, individually and as a team. This job was not a typical 9 to 5, where you sit at a desk all day...I was handling multiple tasks, from helping customers, calling clients and arranging meetings, to organising vehicle availability and building relationships with local businesses as well as other branches.

From day 1, we are encouraged to take on as much as we can handle. I can say that I was fully supported throughout, from taking lead in team meetings and discussing how we can improve our goals/targets, to "running the day", meaning that I would be in charge and handle the daily tasks and delegate responsibilities. I found this very motivating, especially as an intern, as Enterprise truly want all employees to progress within their careers.

The skills I have gained have been invaluable. My organisational skills have improved drastically, helping me to get all my university coursework and deadlines in order. I also developed a critical eye, I have been more able to notice small details in case studies that I may not have noticed in the past, thus improving my work in class. During my time as Enterprise, I learned how to be a leader, which has definitely helped in my degree during group work and assignments.

The general atmosphere in the office was warm and inviting. I was excited to go to work everyday, knowing the team that I worked with really cared about. I was made to feel welcome straight away, not only in my branch, but also when I volunteered to cover other branch offices as well. All the people that I worked with have been amazing and have made all the offices so welcoming, which not only helped morale, but made the customers feel very comfortable.

My placement, as was everyone else's was very well organised. I started with a week of training at the head office from my region. This was so informative and gave everyone the learning that was required to start working within Enterprise. From there, I had a timetable, with dedicated "modules" or chapters that I would work on, alongside the support of my branch/assistant managers, as well as my other colleagues. Also, there were dedicated training days, which not only helped to check on our learning, but helped to develop it, whilst we were working towards our next goal/promotion.

I believe that Enterprise invested a lot of time and effort in my training. From training days and group activities, to one on one meetings with my managers to assess my learning, the business really does care about our future careers. Even though I was an intern, this didn't alter the training and development I received. I was treated as a proper employee throughout my placement, and was given the confidence that the business I was working for cared about my personal growth/goals.

Future prospects for future employment are high. You truly have the ability to go far within Enterprise. If you are determined and hard working, the business will support you with your career goals. Every employee starts from the same stage, whether you're an intern now, or a branch manager in 3 years, everyone starts from the bottom and works their way up. But the greatest thing is that you then learn all the aspects of the business before progressing, meaning you become a more rounded/balanced individual and overall great manager!

In my particular area, we had a handful of placement students, including myself. I started my placement in May, however placement students had many different starting dates, and joined throughout the year. Whilst training, were we had to travel to our head office, the classroom was always full, and there were multiple classes and sessions. This meant that the placement pool was huge, meaning that a lot of time and effort was in place to ensure the learning we received was of the highest level.

I was grateful enough to be working close to my family home, therefore did not have to spend money on living expenses. Socialising costs in the area were very average for London prices; going to a restaurant for two people would be approximately cost £50/£60, however thats the cost for a full meal and some drinks for two. As always, there are cheaper places to go, you just have to keep your eye out for the best places to dine!

Unfortunately, the closest clubs (that were good) were a 15/20min taxi ride away, however there were loads of pubs and bars as well as restaurants and activities in the local area, all within walking distance. The area I worked in had excellent public transport links and I was able to get into central London in under 12mins. This was excellent for the commute to and from town, where I'm sure most of the best nightlife belongs.

There was loads of activities and societies that Enterprise hold and engage with. The company is an equal opportunities employer, who does not discriminate against anyone. There are multiple support groups and clubs, from BAME societies, to LGBTQ society, where all employees are encourage to join, learn and have fun with everyone! They are truly fun and really want everyone in their communities to feel welcomed and at home, without compromising who they truly are!