Sales Strategy and Planning Intern Review

Main focuses surrounded weekly and monthly forecasting support. Creation of, live updating of and distribution of forecasting files. Data analytics of said forecasting alongside extracts from internal CRM solutions. Current snapshot reporting of country and geo level deal status and narratives around any movements. CRM hygiene and support to sales roles in order to ensure accurate forecasting and alignment of accounts. Information collection for deal reviews by WW. All interactions for this specific role have been internal.

HPE provide an excellent platform to develop both hard and soft skills, whether that's through your standard day to day activities or through extra curriculum training and development sessions. Main development personally came through the use of Microsoft Excel and secondly Microsoft PowerBI. These tools were vital to performing my day to day tasks effectively and large amounts of training have been provided formally and informally to reach a proficient level. Good focus on intern development in terms of character building and business acumen also.

There is a strong expectation of Strategy and Planning interns within the company to hold a high responsibility with the tasks they undertake. Forecasting being a main process within my role holds an obvious importance that flows through the business. There is also a strong belief in interns that they will be able to withstand and flourish with such responsibility which allows for a brilliant chance to develop your skills for encountering in your later career.

Moving from two line managers over the course of my internship, both have been extremely helpful in supporting myself and my role, with an understanding throughout the company that no question is a stupid question. Second to that, the provision of an Early Careers Committee which provide intern development days and a mentorship scheme sees and unparalleled level of support if needed. This being said, you are not babied into receiving this if it is not required as previously stated, there is a strong understanding that interns at HPE are capable of carrying out high responsibility jobs.

There is a strong focus on company culture within HPE. The wider team all support each other where possible and there is also a strong focus on letting interns settle in and ask questions as and when. Team social and wider early careers socials are held regularly to maintain that sense of comradery and it is obvious to see throughout the business. Although COVID has prevented in face interactions, the culture is still obvious virtually which is a testament to HPE.

Although the position and responsibilities would not necessarily be what I would choose for my future career, the responsibility placed around my position and team showed the importance of the tasks which created a real sense of achievement and motivation to get them done. The team around me, whether that is other interns or those who are fully employed have been a pleasure to work with and I am sure this would be echoed with most teams throughout the business. The company culture is unparalleled, especially during times of hardship such as Covid. This was an amazing opportunity to develop myself and I would recommend to other students.

Yes

Research HPE, understand what they do within the technology market and research the position you apply for. Make sure they suit you in terms of your career prospects and your interests. Ensure you are unapologetically yourself when you apply as a considerable amount of time and resources goes into ensuring that not only are you a fit for HPE but that HPE is a fit for you. If you take that into consideration, you are most likely to receive the best outcome for yourself and your career.