Operational Delivery Summer Intern Review

I really enjoyed my time at National Grid, I was on a Summer Internship, which lasted 12 weeks, and over the 12 weeks I feel I really developed myself and my skills and therefore enjoying my work. I enjoyed the challenge, the experiences such as working in such a large organisation, in a large office. This was all very new to me and can be a bit overwhelming at first, but once that goes it is very enjoyable.

I was giving varied projects by which my colleagues let me get on with it and gave me a real responsibility to meet a deadline and organize meetings myself, however they were still there ready to support me when I needed it. I also felt very part of the team within a matter of days, everyone was very welcoming and supportive.

My line manager was brilliant throughout my placement he helped me on a wide range of issues from administrative issues such as when I would be paid, expenses etc. to introducing me to certain people in my business area and helping me get to see all of the teams in my department. Which enabled me to get a really good overview of the department and even have hands on experience with some of them which was really valuable.

The structure of my placement was ongoing two projects and to see a variety of teams throughout the placement, of course the latter was time restrictive and had to be arranged around that team, however while waiting for them dates the two projects really kept me busy on a day to day basis, in organizing meetings, co-coordinating with different people and making sure it was on schedule for deadline. There were some days were it was slower than other days but there was never a point where I did not have some work to do which really helped.

I was given the responsibility on completing the two projects I was assigned and it was totally up to me how I would approach them and which stakeholders I would involve, this really gave me confidence that my team trusted me to complete two projects that would be used by my department in real situations, I've had a placement in the past where you are photocopying and doing very low level jobs to keep you busy, however this was definitely not the case at National Grid I felt really involved and engaged throughout my placement.

I am quite a technical person and I have always been this way, and in a way I have never really fully developed my soft skills as much as I could of, in National Grid I feel as though they are really interested in you as a person not you as a cog in a machine. They are really keen on developing your personal skills, for example I feel my communication, planning and time management have really improved while working in National Grid and that business environment where all three of them skills are key for you to enjoy your placement. Also it really helped my ability to build relationships, this is definitely a key aspect, if everyone in your team gets along and builds a relationship and rapport, then it will excel your working environment.

There was a great atmosphere in the office, I can honestly say in my 12 weeks I did not once see a frown, everyone always smiling even though they may have projects and deadlines looming it felt like everyone had time for everyone, personally everyone I asked always had time for a chat to help me out and see how I was getting on and if I needed any help, so in general the atmosphere really was great.

There was a few I.T issues at the start, but apart from that it has run flawlessly, I had a laptop and other work items ready for me when I arrived and I was always in constant contact with the placement coordinators about reviews or catch ups to see how I was doing and how I was developing as a person and if I had enough work to do.

National Grid are well known for the amount of money they invest in their Interns/Graduates, and this was apparent to me from the very start, when I went to my assessment center, I was still only a possible employee at this point as were many others, however National Grid put us up free of charge in a really nice hotel, paid for our meals etc. and paid for our expenses, which really impressed me, as at this point there was no guarantee that I would become a National Grid intern, This continued through until our training at their training base, where they invested us into a program to help us get ready for our placement and how to approach certain situations we might face in the workplace. It was quite clear there was a lot of money, time and effort, invested into the training program.

One of the biggest motivators of the Summer Internship apart from the experience that you gain is that National Grid will offer you a place on their award winning Graduate Scheme, which is great motivation while you are here, knowing that if I was good enough, I could have secured a job straight after University before even attempting my final year was great motivation. Hopefully I will find out if I have been successful or not when seeing if I have been offered a place.

All the interns and placement students really went out their way to get to know you, and also arrange nights such as Bowling for everyone to get to know each other in a different environment from work. Also National Grid have a buddy scheme where by you are assigned a fellow student or graduate for who you can meet with weekly to discuss your placement any concerns or help you need they will help you the best they can. This was really good especially in the first few weeks when you are still settling in, they can help with directions and who to talk to about what etc.

I was quite lucky that I rented a room out in a student house where the students had gone home for the summer so my rent was £375 a month with all bills included which to my knowledge was really cheap for the area (Leamington Spa) as this is a big student town where University of Warwick students usually stay. In terms of other costs, I also lived over the road from a supermarket so that was really handy, so I think I was quite fortunate in that case.

Leamington Spa is a big student town so the nightlife can be great, however while I was there, the students had gone home for summer so the nightlife may not of been at it's best, there are plenty of bars and clubs to suit anyone's need which is surprising considering the towns size,

My fellow placement students were always asking me to do activities after work, from nights out to bowling etc. There were many opportunities to be doing things, also Leamington Spa parade is very good for shopping and general walking about