This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
Although it was initially a struggle to begin with the people at M&S were always friendly and very approachable. I fitted in quite easily, and made good friends with my fellow interns while I was there. The work was challenging, and if there is something you are keen to do then your manager can arrange this for you.
I felt like my colleagues treated me fairly and as a member of the team. They were really helpful in helping me to get up to speed learning new systems, processes and terminology! I was soon able to speak like one of the team at the end of the year!
Management were always supportive of my development, and were willing to send me on courses to improve myself, or give me work that will challenge and push my boundaries. The managers were always available and on hand to speak and guide me in anything, work or non-work related.
I was fairly busy, there are the odd few days where there is a lull, but you can always find something else to do, or help a team member out when this happens.
This all depends on how ambitious you are and also if you build a good reputation with your manager and colleagues as a reliable individual. I felt that as time progressed and I showed myself to be capable that my responsibilities were increased, and I really enjoyed the chance to prove myself.
Certainly the year was valuable, it taught me many things about IT but I think most importantly it helped me to understand what I want to do, what I am good and not good at and what I like an dislike. This has allowed me to understand myself better than I ever did before, and I think this is a important thing for any university student to find out!
The Company
The atmosphere was always nice and friendly, M&S always look after their staff and and I did not feel any awkwardness or too much office politics.
My manager seemed to know what to do with me, and HR were always very friendly if I had any questions prior to joining and also whilst I was there. The inductions were useful and well presented so I knew what I was doing.
The company invested in sending me on some courses such as presentation skills and assertiveness skills, however it would have been nice to get some professional qualitifications too.
Flexi Time
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Subsidised/Company Gym
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
Working from home
Healthcare/Dental
M&S was and still is a great company for any graduate or intern. I would certainly consider working their again!
The Culture
Amougst my colleagues not so much, but whilst I was there the interns and also the graduates had a good social scene, and occassionally arranged visits to the pub or cinema.
Working in London means pretty much everything is more expensive! But this is to be expected!
Plenty to do at night in London, many bars and clubs, but be careful not to get ripped off, I visited many London student unions as a intern, and it was lots of fun!
There were some clubs, although for me I just enjoyed socialising after work.
Details
Placement (10 Months+)
London
August 2009