People & Comms Intern Review

As a People & Communications Intern at Aberdeen, I supported a range of HR and comms initiatives across the business. My role involved managing and delivering several projects simultaneously. On a day-to-day basis, this involved conducting research, analysing data, engaging with stakeholders across different functions and seniority levels, drafting recommendations, creating presentations and reports, and project managing activities to ensure deadlines were met. I also attended team meetings, networking events, learning sessions, and wider intern programme activities; these all provided great exposure to different areas of the business and the opportunity to develop both professional and technical skills.

Yes, I was given a significant amount of responsibility throughout my internship. From the start I was given ownership of several meaningful projects with real business impact. I was trusted to manage my own workload, engage with stakeholders across the organisation, analyse data, develop recommendations, and present outcomes to leaders.

Yes, I've developed a wide variety of new skills and strengthened existing ones. Primarily focusing on confidence and networking skills particularly when working with stakeholders across the business. It also gave me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I learned at university in a real-world setting. This practical experience helped me developed skills in project management, communication, stakeholder engagement, research, and data analysis, while giving me an in-depth understanding of how HR operates in practice.

The support throughout my internship was fantastic. My manager and team members checked in frequently, they were approachable and make time for both informal and formal conversations. I was given a good balance of independence and support, which meant I could take ownership of my work while continuing to learn from others.

I absolutely loved the culture at Aberdeen. The organisation is so welcoming, open, and inclusive. I genuinely felt that I could speak to anyone regardless of their role or seniority. It was clear that a lot of investment has gone into building a positive workplace culture. There is still work to be done in terms of diversity inclusion, but there is a very strong foundation and initiatives in place.

I loved my time at Aberdeen, it completely exceeded my expectations too. Before starting, I had expected to gain some practical HR experience and learn more about the industry hands on, as I am studying HR at university, but the level of responsibility, support, and exposure I received went beyond what I had anticipated.
Being trusted to lead meaningful projects, engage with stakeholders across the business, and contribute work that had genuine value made the experience. The biggest misconception about doing internships is that you're doing admin level work, but in Aberdeen you're brought onto a team and you're contributing at the same level work as the rest of your colleagues.
What stood out most was the people and culture. Everyone was welcoming and willing to help, making it easy to build relationships and feel part of the team. Between project work, networking opportunities, learning sessions, and wider intern activities. I've developed my skills both personally and professionally. Overall, it was an extremely rewarding experience and will stick with me through future career opportunities.

Yes