Elliot, Ava and Syed spent one month in our head office, getting hands on experience in the work place and gaining confidence and guidance to support them in their future ambitions. Marketing and communications intern Syed spoke to his fellow interns and also shared his thoughts on his time with us.

Elliot

Tell us about your background?

I’m a recent graduate from Coventry University with a degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering and an Urban Synergy alumnus.

Why did the internship interest you?

The internship interested me as it was essential to giving me an in-depth experience of what to expect in my chosen career path and looked as though it would give me a chance to implement key skills learnt at university. It was also the opportunity to take on some of the tasks the electrical design teams do on a day-to-day basis.

What does your work experience role involve?

My role includes shadowing different engineers within UK Power Networks Services, completing single line drawings (SLD) as well as looking into SCADA systems and how they operate. I’ve been networking and working alongside third party stakeholders and making visits on site to see how a tender goes from being worked in the office to be implemented on site, in the real world.

What key skills have you learnt during your time at UK Power Networks Services?

While working at UK Power Networks Services I’ve really been able to build upon my interpersonal skills as I worked within a large team. I also used CAD Software to deliver work for the team. Working in the team really allowed me to start using my own initiative to get tasks done and to take a proactive approach to my work.

What were your overall thoughts on the internship? Any highlights?

The internship was really good very well put together. UK Power Networks Services employees were extremely friendly and made integrating into the team really easy. It was a pleasure to work within a company where collaboration and innovation are at the forefront.

Would you recommend this internship for others?

I would a hundred percent recommend this internship, it gives the opportunity to find out a lot about yourself and the way in which you work with others. It also offers the opportunity to challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone.

Ava

Tell us about your background?

I went to Prendergast Ladywell School in Lewisham and then to Christ the King St Mary’s where I studied Economics, Geography and English Literature.

Why did the internship interest you?

I wanted to gain experience of being in a workplace environment and working within a team. The UK energy system is a topic I had previously studied, and I’ve done charity work in the past so this opportunity seemed compatible with my interests.

What does your job involve?

I worked in the Electrical Design team. At the start of the internship I was assigned to complete a report and presentation on energy transition and power distribution technology.

What key skills have you learnt during your time at UK Power Networks Services?

I have learnt how to plan and structure a professional report. Approaching a topic I didn’t have much prior knowledge of has made me more confident in completing independent research activities. Speaking with the Services team has also improved my communication skills. I feel that I am more confident in asking the right questions

What were your overall thoughts on the internship? Any highlights?

The highlight was meeting up with the other interns to discuss our experiences and process, it made me feel very supported and motivated. It has allowed me to reflect on my time at UK Power Networks Services more constructively.

Would you recommend this internship for others?

UK Power Networks Services creates an inviting workplace environment that will motivate you to be the best you can be. This internship is a great way to cultivate your skills, while identifying your weaknesses. Highly recommend!

Syed

Tell us about your background?

I studied at Conisborough College which was my secondary school, I’m about to go to a sixth form to study A level English, A level Sociology and A level Politics.

Why did the internship interest you?

I always had an interest in marketing especially branding. This internship allowed me to have a better understanding of what it is like to work a 9-5 job while also gaining an understanding of the energy infrastructure industry.

What does your work experience role involve?

I worked in the marketing and communications department, and I have been assigned to complete various task which includes assisting video shoots, editing, script making and to help create content for their different social media sites.

What key skills have you learnt during your time at UK Power Networks Services?

I have a better understanding on Premiere Pro (editing software) and gained a better understanding of brand identity, how to format marketing scripts and working collaboratively in a creative environment and most importantly I learnt how to write engaging content for internal and external audiences.

What were your overall thoughts on the internship? Any highlights?

A highlight was hearing the experiences of the employees, as not only did it motivate me but it gave me a clearer understanding of the working world. Another highlight was joining team meetings as it gave me an amazing insight of what it feels like to be a real employee.

Would you recommend this internship to others?

Definitely! You can learn a lot about yourself through the workshops and a better understanding of the world of engineering, marketing and technology.

Interviews by Syed, communications and marketing intern