Recharging Estates Costs and Planning Consolidation ABDN Internship Review

During my internship as part of the Recharging Estates Costs and Planning Consolidation project at the University of Aberdeen, my role focused primarily on analysing financial and operational data within the Estates and Facilities department. On a day-to-day basis, I worked with complex datasets, cleaning and standardising information to ensure accuracy for reporting and planning purposes.
My responsibilities included reviewing and improving existing data collection methods, analysing building-related expenditure, and identifying trends that could support better decision-making. I also contributed to the early development of a Power BI dashboard by structuring the underlying data and determining how key metrics could be visualised.
Additionally, I assisted in preparing a final presentation for departmental stakeholders, summarising insights and recommending improvements to enhance cost transparency, sustainability considerations, and data consistency across estates operations.

Yes, I was given a meaningful level of responsibility throughout my internship. I worked independently on tasks such as cleaning large datasets, analysing cost patterns, and identifying inaccuracies or inconsistencies in existing records. I was trusted to propose improvements to data processes and to provide input that would influence longer-term planning within the Estates and Facilities department.
Being involved in the development of the Power BI dashboard and the final stakeholder presentation added a further layer of responsibility, as the outputs were intended to support future decision-making within the department. This level of ownership helped me build confidence, strengthened my problem-solving skills, and contributed to my career clarity reinforcing my goal of becoming a data analyst.

Yes, I developed several key skills during my internship. My Excel skills improved significantly, particularly in handling, cleaning, and analysing large and complex datasets. I also gained new knowledge about how Estates and Facilities departments operate within large institutions and learned how building cost analysis is carried out in this context.
Additionally, I strengthened my data standardisation and problem-solving abilities while reviewing and improving existing data collection methods. I was introduced to the foundations of creating visual dashboards, which helped me understand how tools like Power BI can be used to present financial insights more effectively.
This experience also enhanced my confidence in working independently on analytical tasks and improved my ability to communicate findings clearly to stakeholders.

I received a good balance of support and independence during my internship. My supervisor and the Estates and Facilities team were approachable and always willing to clarify processes or answer questions when needed. They provided clear initial guidance on the project objectives and ensured I understood the wider context of the data I was working with.
At the same time, I was given the freedom to take ownership of my taskssuch as cleaning datasets, analysing building costs, and suggesting improvements to data processes. This combination of guidance and autonomy helped me build confidence, develop my analytical skills, and learn how to navigate a professional environment effectively.

The overall culture and atmosphere within the University of Aberdeen’s Estates and Facilities department were welcoming, supportive, and collaborative. Even though the work involved detailed and technical tasks, the environment never felt overwhelming because the team was approachable and open to questions.
There was a strong sense of professionalism, but also a willingness to help, which made it easy to settle into the role and understand how the department functions. People were generous with their time and keen to share their knowledge, creating a positive atmosphere for learning.
The culture encouraged independence as well—once I understood my tasks, I was trusted to work autonomously and manage my own workload. This balance of support and independence made the environment both comfortable and motivating, and it contributed significantly to my confidence and overall experience.

I genuinely enjoyed my internship and found it to be a rewarding and meaningful experience. The work was intellectually engaging, especially the tasks involving data cleaning, analysis, and understanding how building costs are managed within a large organisation. I particularly enjoyed the problem-solving aspect—working through unfamiliar datasets and improving their accuracy was both challenging and satisfying.
The supportive environment and the balance of guidance and independence also contributed to my enjoyment. I felt valued, trusted, and encouraged to learn, which made the experience even more positive. Overall, the internship strengthened my interest in data-focused roles, gave me clarity about my career direction, and left me with a strong sense of accomplishment.

Yes