Placement Year Review at Grant Thornton

The Role

Role Description

I was in the Recovery and reorganisation department which looks at insolvencies. I was specifically based in the Complex and International team and my case dealt with international liquidations. When liquidating a company, it is Grant Thornton's job to realise any assets from the insolvent company and then distribute monies to creditors. Essentially, we "wind up" the business. In terms of general day to day work, I would raise payments, liaise with creditors and banks through emails or letters. Also, I would attend team meetings an produce reports/notes on a particular aspect of the case. Of course, I have only scratched the surface, but there is certainly a wide variety of tasks and I have found it both interesting and enjoyable.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My time at Grant Thornton has been thoroughly enjoyable and the range of tasks that I have been assigned to has certainly contributed to this. The fact there is variety means you are always "kept on your toes" and is therefore stimulating work, which makes it more enjoyable.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

All my colleagues were so easy to get on with and were very welcoming. When I have helped a colleague or manager on a case I have always felt valued when being involved in a case or task. People recognise when you have completed a piece of work to high standard and when necessary, praise is given.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

At the start of the year we were assigned a "buddy" who acts as a supervisor and answers any queries you have. Of course, in the first few weeks of the placement this was very helpful and really helped me to settle in because if I had any problems, I knew I could go to my buddy. Also, in terms of help during a task, everyone was approachable and again, if I needed any guidance on a specific topic I could ask anyone who was on the same case.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was busy most days, which usually meant there was a variety of tasks I was involved in. Of course, some days people might be out of the office resulting in a busier day but most of the time there was a really good balance.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I felt I was given a great amount of responsibility during my time at Grant Thornton. I was given enough responsibility so that I could really feel part of the overall case. By having this extra responsibility, it not only made me enjoy the case more, but it also makes you feel more valued as people are putting their trust in you to do a good job.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I have learnt a great deal during my time with Grant Thornton. My communication skills have been enhanced as I have dealt with a range of different people whether it be through face to face conversations, emails or telephone calls. Looking ahead to the final year of my degree programme, I think Grant Thornton has improved my overall work ethic, which I hope to carry forward into my final year at University.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The atmosphere in the office was great. It was relaxed yet people also knew that work had to be done! It was a "work hard, play hard" culture.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The placement year was very well ran. Half way through the year you would have a 6 month appraisal and then also have a 12 month appraisal at the end of the year. This was a good way to check your progress and to get feedback from your manager. In addition, we were encouraged to complete job review forms every couple of months, again to check your progress as to whether any improvements could be made or if you were doing a good job.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

You get the chance to go on a variety of courses, including "introduction to insolvency", "effective business writing" and "recovery core 1". Some courses are held at Bradenham Manor, a training facility dedicated to Grant Thornton trainees, which is great experience. It really gives you the feeling that the firm invests in it's employees.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• National Travel
• Company Parties/Events
• Travel loan

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

As of yet I do not know the employment prospects but fingers crossed I will be offered a Job with Grant Thornton as it's a fantastic firm to work for and I would love to come back!

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

There was a really good social side to work. For example, occasionally, we would go for a drink after work which was always a great way to wind down after a days work! Also, team nights out are organised where everyone in your team goes for a meal out and then usually moves on to a club somewhere. Good fun but never good on a week night!

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

London is renowned for being expensive so it is no surprise that the cost of living was relatively dear in comparison to other areas of the country. However, there are a number of good deals to take advantage of so it may not work out to be as expensive as once thought!

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

My placement was based in London so the nightlife was brilliant. I was never short of anything to do. There's bars, restaurants and clubs all nearby so it really was a great experience for me, especially having not experienced London before!

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Basically, whatever you want to do, you can do (within reason!). For instance, I've been involved in 5 a side football with Grant Thornton where we travelled up to Leeds for a national tournament. Also, I have played 11 a side football where I was lucky enough to take part in the "Corporate Games" event at Loughbrough University which was a fantastic weekend an one I'd love to go on again!

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

Overall, my time with Grant Thornton was really interesting in terms of work and also really good fun!

Review 69/86 for Grant Thornton

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