Benefit trainee Review

I have really enjoyed my time at Mercer as it is a really friendly environment to work in. Also, the work I have been doing has been challenging which has given me satisfaction on completion.

I have socialised with my colleges inside and outside of the office by going to lunch and a karaoke night. They always try and involve me as much as they can in their conversations and try to explain anything I don't understand.

I sit near my team leader and he will help me if I have any questions whether the work is for him or anybody else in the office. I have also had half-way feedback and soon to have full feedback. The half way feedback was really helpful for me to see how well I was doing and if there were any areas which I could improve.

In the first few week I was not given much work as the appropriate client work was not available. Now that I am more confident and familiar the work I am given a lot more, but never too much that I am rushed off my feet for too long!

After the first few week I people began to give me things without going into depth explaining things which gave me some responsibility. However, anything I do that goes to clients needs to be checked so I am never soley responsible for any particular job.

After doing this internship I see myself doing this work as a career, so it will be extremely helpful in achieving that goal. Even if I didn't decide to do this work in the future the skill I have learnt about the working environment will help me in any job I may go into.

Although everyone around me is very busy most of the time we don't all sit in silence which is really good. We will catch up on what we have done at the weekend/evenings and have a joke. This is really good as I would hate to not talk to anyone all day!

Everything has been well organised, I was shown around the building on the first day and met most of the people in my office so I have known where to go and who to speak to. We have emails from the graduate team in London to update us on any thing that has changed and to remind us of any events.

I have done several online courses which mercer provide which have helped me understand different parts of the business and the industry I am working in. I have also done some of self development for the group presentation which I will be doing at the end of my internship.

I don't find out whether I will be offered a perminant place until I have finished but I really want one and I can't imagine not working here!

Me and the other interns will have dinner together every day and we have also been for a drink after work a few times. My buddy has also involved me in any social activities that she has done such as going out for lunch and a karaoke night. She has also invited me to things after my placement has ended.

It is no different in Manchester to Sheffield or Derby so there wasn't any shocks with prices.

I have been out a few of times while I have been here and had a really good time on all of them.

I was asked whether I wanted to play football for Mercer which I said I would if nobody better came up! I didn't hear about it again so I assume they did!