R&D Intern Review

Data analysis using statistical software eg. Minitab. Presentations to the wider team of my results. Collaboration with different teams to share our knowledge. Writing study plans and corresponding with external companies. I have developed my project management skills and have carried an entire project from start to finish. I trained new members of the team on skills I picked up over the year. I also have done some report writing for the results of my study.

I have developed my presentation skills, I have developed and grown over the year and have become more confident in my public speaking ability. I have used new analytical techniques and machinery. I have developed my data analysis skills using new statistical software that I otherwise wouldn't have had chance to use. I have found that I am a people person and have utilised this skill by setting up team activities such as monthly catch-ups.

I was given a lot of responsibility, I felt like I was a full time employee rather than just an intern as the work I did mattered to the company. I was in charge of my own project in which I lead a team of 4. This involved a lot of planning and logistics over various months. I was given multiple other smaller projects to work on, this helped test my time management skills and planning ability.

Everyone is happy to help if you have a question. My line manager was helpful in providing meaningful feedback so that I could improve. The wider team were supportive if you wished to explore new work streams. I had a mentor who helped with career guidance and any other queries I had about the world of work. I also had a buddy who was vital at the start of the year as they showed me how the software worked and also general things around the office.

Everyone is friendly, always will say hello if you see them in the hall. Lots of social activities after work and during work. Meals out with the whole team to celebrate milestones. There is a gym onsite which offers classes, there is also a basketball team and football team so there is lots of opportunity to join social activities. There is a Christmas party and quiz, along with other things like cocktail hour and coffee morning.

I really enjoyed my placement at BAT. The team were approachable and happy to help. I enjoyed the company culture. My time on placement was better than expected however I would have liked the same opportunities as other interns, as they got to develop their technical skills more than I did, as well as external training. I would definitely come back to BAT as the culture is great and I feel I fit in well. Also the benefits and bonus are great!

Yes

Just be yourself and people will like you for it. It's not as big and scary as it seems. Take any opportunity you are given and also reach out for more. Connect to people you meet on LinkedIn as you never know when you will need the network. For the assessment centre make sure you're prepared for a stressful situation.