12 Week Intern Review

Overall it was good; I worked on an important project which was quite engaging looking back. I've left my mark on the company, and if nothing else, I've got a lot to put on my CV from it. Also, I was very satisfied with the pay. Personally, I'm unsure which career path I want to take, and was using this as a chance to experience a potential area of work, so was hoping to do some day-to-day tasks, rather than an overview of the function encapsulated in the project. Therefore, it didn't help me with my career decisions as much as I'd hoped, but it is a very good experience for anyone who has their mind set on a certain career path.

I feel that interns at most companies aren't given the respect that they perhaps deserve/need, but this wasn't the case at P&G. From rolling out my project to all members of the function to having a BBQ with the head of UK operations, everyone was happy to engage with me and give me relevant and useful feedback. I felt more like a new permanent hire than an intern. Even when I encountered people who completely disagreed with the nature of my assignment, they were still friendly and helpful. One slight downside is that as (I think) most of the internships involve project work, there is little frequent communication with a particular team, and so from a social side, it can be harder to fit in at first. Everyone is very nice and approachable, but there isn't always much scope to build relationships. This isn't vital, but I think it could be seen as a significant negative point for some applicants.

My manager was always willing to see me as much as I wanted to, and he was always friendly and helpful. However, I received no formal training (except for attending their cross-function, cross-division intern college, which was informative, but unspecific given its nature). I also taught myself a lot of necessary skills on Excel and SharePoint, as the contacts I was given for help on this were both away for a long time.

My project wasn't enough for the total time I was there. There were also a lot of gaps where I was told I'd need to contact others, but couldn't get hold of them for a few days, so I was searching for things to fill the time. That said, I think it would be hard to predict exactly how long a project would take, and so it's better that I was able to finish comfortably than if I were left with unfinished work.

A lot. After 2 weeks of shadowing I was able to start my project. This involved creating a new process and deploying it to all members of the function, so I was directly influencing all of their work. I got very good exposure and it was nice to know that I have left a mark on the company. I completely managed my own time, setting up meetings with various people, whilst arriving and leaving when I wanted. My manager even told me I could work from home if I had something I needed to be at home for. I personally felt this was a very refreshing attitude, unlike others that can be found at other companies. It is a very open organisation, where as long as you get your work done, you can keep the hours that suit you.

Presentation skills were improved quite a bit, as well as a basic understanding of how companies work, and the processes involved. This will help degrees in business/management, but not a lot else academically. However, I think a lot of what I learned will be able to be reapplied into my future career. Also, this may be project-specific, but I've really developed my Microsoft Excel skills, which I've heard is well-regarded by employers, as well as being helpful for organising personal finances etc.

I was based in Weybridge - and it's a very nice office to work at. The culture is very friendly, and is relaxed, despited the work itself being quite challenging for most people. Everyone is very friendly and happy to help; I didn't come across one person who I could see myself not liking. My only criticism was that I was never really part of a team, given my project being cross-category, and so I wasn't really a central part of the office.

I didn't feel that there was a set plan for my work, and the project just sort of went where I took it. This was great from a responsibiltiy point of view, but with so much riding on the internship I wasn't sure whether or not I was doing the right thing. It would also have been possible for me to do very little, so it's worth being self-motivated, otherwise both you and the company could gain very little from it! It is also said that jobs are offered based on 12-week internships, but my manager didn't seem to know about this, and with it being such an important aspect for an intern, this was quite an issue for me.

Whilst I didn't receive any formal training, the exposure I got to high levels of management was great. They let me sit in on any meeting that I wanted to, so I saw a lot of processes and events. The band 4 (the most senior person in my function in the UK) arranged a 1-to-1 with me to talk to me about the company and the function, as well as my future. This was a great insight that I don't feel other places would give.

I think once you get used to how the company works, it is a good place to work at. Everyone talks of the promote-from-within philosophy of P&G, as well as the leaders in other companies that started in P&G.

I think I was the only person in my function, and so I didn't see any other interns. I met some at intern college, but they were all in the same function (CBD), and created a close group.

I lived at home, rail travel took about 15% of my overall pay, but that's understandable. Staff shop had great discounts (with regular sales!) and the food is quite cheap - a good meal can cost £2.

I lived at home as I'm not too far from Weybridge so the nightlife for me was the same as normal back home! Went to the pub a couple of times though after work.

Yes - weekly football and basketball teams, as well as pub sessions on most Fridays