Tea Buying Assistant Review

The project I worked on was very interesting and great to get stuck in to. It was sometimes a challenge and I spent a lot of the time working on a spreadsheet, but I felt that I was able to contribute something which felt great. The company has won awards for treating its employees well, and I certainly felt well looked after and a member of the team. Although I was missing my summer holiday, the eight weeks was a suitable amount of time.

I was lucky enough to work in a fantastic team and a lovely environment. Everyone around me was really helpful, happy to help at any time, and I have even kept in touch. I settled in and felt comfortable very quickly. My line manager often thanked me for my help and the director also praised me. This was very rewarding as it was a long project and I didn't always know how helpful it would be. I was certainly valued for my improved tea making abilities!

It was difficult for my line manager to always be on hand as it was a busy time in the tea industry. I like to use my initiative and I don't ask a lot of questions, so that was fine. Whenever I did need help, everyone was happy to give a hand. The only problem was finding time to meet up and discuss the project, but this couldn't be helped and I was eager not to become a nuisance. I also had quite a few meetings with the other interns and human resources to discuss our personal development and to think of ways to improve. This was then used for a presentation at the end of the internship.

For me, the balance was great. The internship suited my style of working as I was able to organise myself for the day - as long as I made sure I stuck to any deadlines. Instead of just waiting to be told what the next task was, I already knew what was needed to do and just got on with it.

I had a decent understanding of development economics, but very little of the tea industry. So I was given the opportunity to read up when I began and get acquainted with how it works. This meant I could get on with my project without too many problems. As a result, I was trusted to get on with my day to day tasks. So I was responsible for my side of the project. I felt that I was given a lot of trust, and I thrived on that.

In terms of going into development economics, this will be very useful. I was able to put my economics skills into practice, and this could certainly benefit my last year at University. It has also improved my confidence in putting my own ideas forward. Any internship is an experience, but i'm happy that mine was a positive one. I have had friends who have been put off the routine or industry for life, however the area I worked in is appealing and has made me consider my future career.

The atmosphere in the office was fantastic, and probably one of the best things about my internship. It was very friendly, welcoming, and there was often cake on offer!

It was only the second year that the company had had interns so they were still sorting out their process. The great thing was that they were constantly looking for help on ways to improve. We suggested a few ways, for example a tour round the factory, and they made sure they did this before we left.

My personal opinion was that we were there to do a job and be useful. I wasn't expecting a lot of personal training etc as I was working rather than on a course. I've always been a little dismissive of personal development etc. So for me I was happy with what I got. Saying that, the people in HR did work on our personal development and we had meetings to see what we had learned.

I am tempted to apply for a job with the company, and it would be a very interesting career with plenty of international travel. The only problem being that they are in Starbeck and I would prefer to work in the South.

The other interns were great. We travelled together from York everyday and got on really well. We met up outside of work a few times, and I'm definitely going to stay in touch.

I already had a house in York and so had to commute everyday. The internship didn't have particularly good pay and so travel and living costs ate into my pay quite badly. I was perfectly happy socialising in York as I still had friends with me.

I worked in Starbeck which is a small village/town. This didn't make a difference as very few people lived there. Harrogate and York are fine for nightlife.

Again, this isn't really applicable as I was living in the same area I had been in for over a year.