People Placement Student Review
by Sainsbury's
This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
3.8
-
The Company
2.3
-
The Culture
2.5
- 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
I worked with some really great people on lots of varying tasks and projects
Some colleagues seemed to really value me and my contribution, while others took a lot longer to feel like I was part of the team
The team weren't really prepared for my arrival, so a lot of my first few weeks was spent with little to do, or just doing tasks that didn't really add to my development, but this did pick up and I got very busy around the middle of my 8 weeks
I was based in the Colleague Engagement Team, who were busy preparing for the upcoming Conference, which took place after I left, so I didn't get as much responsibility as some interns in other teams. I did get to manage a small project, which was great responsibility though!
Just working in a business environment developed some skills, especially my commercial awareness. All of the skills I developed are vital in business, and the placement also highlighted some skills that need more development.
The Company
Everyone in the office was really busy, but still incredibly friendly and always willing to help with questions.
My team didn't really seem aware that I was joining them and didn't know what I was supposed to be doing or how to provide the development opportunities that the scheme was meant to. However, we did overcome this, and I was the only intern that had that problem.
There were intern catch ups every few weeks, during which the head of the graduate team ran a workshop for us, and we could have asked for other workshops etc in these times if wanted. However, we were only told this in the first session, after which there were two more, one of which was in the final week of our placement, and so not much use.
Subsidised/Company Gym
Above 25 days holiday
The Culture
There were three check in sessions with other placement students, but no encouragement to get together at other points. I'd definitely advise having lunch often and learning about their placement though!
I commuted everyday, so didn't get to experience much of this, but the office is in central London, so prices are as you'd expect.
I commuted, so didn't experience the nightlife, but there were plenty of pubs and bars around.
I got the opportunity to work heats of an internal talent show across the business and work a day of the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games at the Olympic Stadium, which was brilliant. As my team was so busy there weren't any other activities outside work organised.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
London
September 2013