Intern Review

I had an amazing time, gaining experience in a wide variety of teams, and international experience in Sydney where I was able to explore most sectors of the property market through shadowing a rotation of departments. In the UK I spent two weeks in London in lease consultancy where I was able to get more involved in projects such as the entirety of a lease renewal which was very satisfying. There was great support from all the teams I worked with and a great friendly and social atmosphere from going on curry night with the Valuations team in Sydney to nights out and making friends with the other UK interns.

Both in Sydney and London I felt the work I undertook was valued by my colleagues whether it was useful research or doing a simple lease summary and were always understanding and helpful if I had any questions. They would also take time out to explain technical elements to me or arrange site visits so that I could also attend.

Any questions I had would happily be answered and all tasks were explained well to me. I received advice on future career plans and on the graduate application process. Support was there if I required it but I was left to complete tasks individually and use my own initiative/ problem solving skills so providing the perfect balance.

In Sydney with the rotations I was spending only about 2 or 3 days with each team and therefore there could be occasional lulls in work as I didn't have the time to get more deeply involved in certain projects, however often there would be some on going research into the markets which with Australia being a completely new market was very useful for me. In London I was definitely kept busy but never felt too pressured on deadlines.

Mainly shadowing in Sydney didn't lead to a great deal of responsibility but when in the office I was often given tasks with responsibility such as working on a pricing schedule for a residential development and adding data to transaction databases for future use a comparables. In London I was given a good degree of responsibility even drafting a legal document.

I have gained practical and first hand experience of 2 key markets which will aid me in my studies and understanding of the property industry. I have gained a greater insight into the diverse sectors of the property industry advancing both my technical and personal skills which I can take on into my career.

Both offices were friendly and supportive where everyone enjoyed where they work. In London I was working almost entirely with directors which sounds like it should be an intimidating situation but was in fact a great experience to learn from their expertise as it was a very supportive environment.

It was very well organised with a clear schedule of rotations in Sydney and a program of events and talks in London.

As stated my colleagues were all very supportive and took the time to explain the markets or technical details to me and of course giving me the opportunity to go to Sydney through sociable surveyors was a large investment but one I have really benefited from in terms of industry knowledge and personal skills.

If I'm offered a job I'll definitely take it. Their graduate schemes with a number of rotations will be great to give me a broad understanding of the property market whilst providing the training I require to gain my APC. As for career progression there are many opportunities within Savills including international work that appeal to me.

In London I have made many friends, though attending events together, lunches and drinks, and we are thinking of planning a reunion with all the interns so couldn't have been much better! From Sydney I am still in touch with some of my colleagues and was made to feel very welcome to Savills Sydney attending many socials and there was a very friendly atmosphere in the office.

I was interning in London and Sydney so couldn't expect it too be cheap but with a wage and with Sydney flights and accommodation paid for it was certainly affordable.

In both Sydney and London the vibe was very much going to a nice bar for a couple of drinks after work which was perfect for getting to know the other interns and colleagues.

Sydney was different from a normal internship program as it was just myself quickly rotating, but in London there were a range of opportunities to get involved in sporting activities and pretty much all of us attended a charity event in the last week of the internship.