Intern Review

At first it was a little daunting. I was doing web based work programming when I had only really done desktop programming in the past so there was a lot to take in. However once I started understanding things I enjoyed it - it was something different to what I had done in the past. The tasks themselves were varied and even if I was set a task that I was not very interested they assured me I could just tell them and they would give me something else. In addition the Internship included a trip to New York to work in the offices there but they also allowed me a few days to myself there too!

My manager and colleagues were friendly to me and made be feel welcome. I felt valued by them as a few of them took interest and enquired into how I solved some of the problems that I faced. Also as mentioned earlier it was really good to know that my work is being used and not just discarded at the end - i.e. I was doing useful tasks rather than doing a task that is "something to do". The only downside was the work I was doing was a little bit "separate" from the rest of the team so it was sometimes hard to see where the work fit in. However it did have the advantage of not having deadlines! :)

I was mainly left to my own devices for the tasks. My manager would point me towards an area and then it was generally up to me to do everything. It was not always clear exactly what I was supposed to be doing or why. A bit more context on some of the tasks would have been nice. However they were around to step in if I ran into trouble.

Most of the time I was busy and had something to do. Occasionally I would finish the task I had been set and I would need to wait a little before I could discuss what to do next. However there were usually a few loose ends and things to do while I was waiting so that was rarely an issue. I think it would be difficult to improve this without ending up feeling overwhelmed!

I had quite a lot of responsibility but it was pretty indirect. I made a website which at the time had little responsibility as it was separate from the work the rest of the team was doing - it was going to hold documentation and provide basic access to the web API. However later on the infrastructure was altered and the website I created became more important and became the primary website to access the API. Some of my other work has a similar story. Essentially responsibility came down to creating something with a small responsibility for but if it is any good then we will increase the responsibility for it. I felt that this approach worked well. The rating of 9 is to represent that I liked the way the responsibility was managed rather than the level I was given. (As it is difficult to rate that)

The skills are not so much useful for my degree but of great use outside. I now have experience with web services and website creation which was a gaping hole in my skills that the degree hasn't and won't cover. I also got experience with working in a business environment: I got to contribute and attend the meetings as well.

A very good and friendly atmosphere. The layout is open rather than a closed office. This makes the place feel livelier. Some might say that this adds too much noise - but to me it felt very natural.

The organisation of setting me up in my place in the office and sorting out the little things like access was well done. However there was a lack of communication over when I would actually be starting the Internship and when I was going to New York made things a little frustrating at times.

There was little to no training however that was mostly deliberate to allow me to learn and research everything out myself which is a valuable skill. They did however go out of the way with giving me a trip to New York which was fantastic and one of the managers even partially accompanied me as well to me sure everything was ok and expenses were paid for! They also gave me a working holiday entitlement like everyone else even though I was only an Intern!

Mainly unknown at the moment but they were impressed with the work I did with them so I feel that if I apply for them I have a good chance for a job.

I didn't manage to keep up more more than being a bit more of an acquaintance to them. I think it was mainly due to differences in personality and something that can't be helped.

Living costs were ridiculously expensive due to the high rent and general London prices. However thankfully the Internship was paid which helped out a great deal. Helping out with getting good accommodation could be a great help.

I was generally uninvolved in the night life so I can't really comment although London at night looked Fantastic.

I got weekends and evenings off plus paid holiday so I plenty of time to get involved with any activities I wish.