Insight week Review

Thoroughly enjoyable. Was given a full insight into the working environment and the variety of jobs on offer. Had the opportunity to ask questions to staff on what they enjoyed and disliked about their job so that i could see if it matched what i sought in my work. There was a good balance between practical work undertaken, lectures and social activities. Overall, a very enjoyable experience.

Very valued. All the staff went out of their way to show me what they did on a day to day basis. As a student, you can often feel a bit in the way. However, this was not the case here. The main reason was that all the staff i met were genuinely enthusiastic about what the work they were doing whilst i was there. I also felt that all staff were highly professional, so i was comfortable and at ease.

I was able to ask any questions to a variety of people in different department. As a result, if i felt uncomfortable mentioning a question with one particular person (which i didn't), there was always someone else to ask should i need to. The only improvement, was that i would like a dedicated planner showing who each individual in my team was and what type of work they undertook.

I was able to understand the variety of work undertaken by the firm. Most importantly, as this has nothing to do with my degree, it allowed me to experience another part of the working world which is completely new to me. I was given numerous booklets which highlighted the work the firm was doing and included 'days in the life' of various staff so that i could see what type of work i might be doing should i decide to join the firm at a later date.

Very well structured. I received a detailed timetable which highlighted what i was going to be doing each day. This was sent by email a number of weeks prior to commencing the insight week so that i could make plans and travel arrangements should i need to. Ultimately, i was aware of what i was doing each day and knew what was required of me. As a result, there were no surprises.

Very relaxed, yet professional. The working environment was open plan and allowed a large amount of natural light. This fostered a welcoming environment and encouraged team work. However, as i was new to the firm, the lack of clarity over who was who (ie. who was a graduate trainee, or who was the boss) was difficult to grasp - a planner/diagram would have been helpful.

I was given numerous books to highlight the work i could undertake if i wished to join the firm at a later date. I was also given information on the qualifications i would have to gain should i wish to follow a property related career. Overall, all the information for me to make a well informed career choice were presented to me clearly.

I learnt about the working hours and the working environment. Previous work experience has taught me how not all companies look after their employees to a high standard. However, at Savills, i discovered that the staff were well looked after and seemed to care about the work they were doing. As a result, should i choose to join the firm at a later date, i know that i would be working with highly motivated people who are proud of the organisation they work for.

There was little hierarchy and a very open and informal working environment. It fostered a culture of team work which i naturally highly valued in modern office settings. The company showed how it aims to invest in each employee through continual training sessions and employee reviews.

Each department gave a talk on the work they were actively undertaking at the time. The speakers shared the positive and negative aspects of their work and were surprisingly honest (or at least seemed to be). Consequently, i was able to understand which departments i preferred and which i disliked. I notably disliked the idea of working in the investment team for example as the work they undertook seemed to be too target driven rather than providing research information or a service to another business.

I received £100 to cover travel and food expenses. This was more than enough as it covered my travel costs to and from the office. As the week was about gaining an insight, it would seem strange to pay employees as the scheme was designed for the benefit of interns.

Yes there were social meetings in a bar next to the office and after work drinks with other interns so we could get to know each other. There was also the opportunity to meet other staff members over a drink to ask them questions in a more informal environment. Food and drink were provided, so this also helped my finances as the scheme was not paid.

I was free to ask any questions i wanted and felt that i would not be judged right or wrong by asking a certain question. As it was my first insight into the sector i felt particularly at ease knowing that i was not expected to know a great deal about the industry.

Yes, i spoke to my mentor and someone she trained with. They both explained about some of the social events that they have been to and the wider social activities organised by the firm. Some were company wide, others were purely for the department. Although it was emphasized that there were a particularly large number of social events for graduate entrants.

Yes, i have done so. It is also on my CV and i have been asked frequently about it when going to other interviews and seeking further employment. Even if, the work experience sought is not property related i have still recommended the experience to others. Overall, i thoroughly enjoyable experience.