Business and Systems Analyst Intern Review

Main job role involved data quality analysis based on retailer reporting sales, financial improvements based on that data, testing new features involved in the software Intel used, and other adhoc tasks involving Excel, PowerBI, and internal tools. Lots of replying to emails based on requests for certain data checks and ensuring that data that was in was flagged accurately and as expected based on what had been reporting and changed when in our system. These checks were done on daily / weekly / monthly / quarterly basis depending on requirements and also involved contacting people within the company and external.

On learning new skills, yes: understanding more complex filters in Excel and PowerBI was one immediate skill developed as Intel uses specific filters, pivots, and tables to analyse data and this quickly got me learning on these features. Additionally, general knowledge around the way a real (and big) business works such as the way Microsoft 365 is integrated and how communication is done through Email / Teams. On developing existing skills, that is also a yes and it covers both hard and soft skills from analytical qualities all the way to soft skills like talking to people appropriately.

Absolutely! As was repeated to me a lot, time at Intel is for a real job so I was indeed handed a proper role with responsibility. The main focus was on payments and I was the direct person responsible for ensuring retailer payments were approved and on time. Outside of that, your role is a specific one with ownership so people would come to you with queries that you can answer and expect quick turnarounds for their questions based on data they have asked for or other checks.

A great initial amount on first joining around training for the core job role and understanding Intel's qualities, and then even further once the role progressed around specific aspects. Intel had lots of training sessions booked for the first few weeks, and your previous intern was there for guidance also. This extended from just main job queries, Intel culture queries, and really anything you wanted to know to ensure you could not only work properly at the company, but also fit in with the culture. As they mentioned, no question is stupid - so ask away.

Intel is quite a chill company, very calm working environment that is not stressful or over demanding. Naturally, work has deadlines and expectations, but you never feel concerned or worried and when in office the atmosphere is very nice with casual conversations happening and people wearing informal clothes. I love the way Intel work in terms of being so chill - you are trusted to do your work and given that it gets done then you don't have to be worried. I would often leave the office at lunch to work from home for the rest of the day.

Completely and thoroughly. The placement has been the most valuable thing I have done at university and has taught me more than any modules or other forms of learning. It was wholly worthwhile in doing this as I have seen how a real business works in the real world and I have made new friendships and seen things outside of my role which is just cool regardless - naturally a tech company has some exciting tech to see around. I cannot recommend doing a placement enough, and doing one at Intel was undeniably worth it.

Yes

Make sure you are a good fit for the role you apply for and ensure it meets your expectations. Despite Intel being a tech company, given their size, not everyone is technical and especially in the UK most job roles are not technical. Regardless of what side you fall on, make sure you are aware of that fact and just try to be passionate about your role. Having some knowledge of general Intel technology basics doesn't hurt either.