Summer Scheme Student - Development Review

I really enjoyed the summer scheme with Savills. I didn't really know what to expect at first because I didn't have any experience working in a corporate environment and Savills is such a big company. I'm definitely considering working for Savills after I graduate, after getting to speak with other graduates who have also gone through the system without having a RICS accredited degree Savills seem to have one of the best schemes available.

Everyone at Savills ensured I felt welcome throughout my placement, even the people in the other departments. I was included in department meetings, regional strategy days and charity events wherever possible. I was given opportunities to shadow on site visits too. My opinions and questions were always welcome, even on work for big clients.

Within the whole process from applying to completing the placement support and guidance was there if I needed it and people were always available to answer any questions, I liked the fact on this placement I was given the opportunity to work independently most of the time as it meant I could learn things much faster. However, if I ever needed more help it was always available. The information and guidance on what to do after the placement has finished in terms of the graduate scheme and APC is also really good.

Communicating within a business environment is something I was nervous about whether it was writing formal letters, emails or just talking to clients on the phone. Over my placement I became much more confident and comfortable which is something I don't think I could have learned with out industrial experience. The amount of information I received from colleagues and from the summer scheme departmental overview talks about what to do next in terms of before graduation, after graduation and the pathways for APC, RICS masters really helps making decisions about what to do next.

There were no issues at all from initially applying, to finishing the scheme. The application process is really straight forward and you have a point of contact right away. I knew exactly what I had to do and when for. I liked the fact that the regional summer scheme students also received information from the talks in London so we didn't feel like we were missing out.

For most of my time on the scheme I was allowed to participate on the same large jobs as my colleagues, from site visits to writing up valuation reports. It meant I was able to get a real taste of what it would be like to work there. I feel like I was very lucky to be part of such a good team. There were times where work got a bit dull and dry but I think that is expected when you are a summer intern with no background in property! Working on other tasks made up for it!

My team had never had a summer scheme placement before, so they were also learning at the same time. Each team member took time out of their work to help me use programmes such are promaps and argus and wanted me to learn as much of everything as possible. I was given the chance to work on big current jobs where it was important I worked efficiently and didn't make any mistakes so I feel like the company invested in me a lot.

I took part in almost everything my team members did from meetings, site visits, lunch and learns, charity events and regional strategy events. I got to meet other people from different offices and got familiar with the office's main clients. The tasks I was undertaking all contributed to the work other team members were doing and I don't feel like they gave me jobs that were too easy or simple.

I learnt a lot about Savills, from my own office to other offices nationwide. The summer scheme departmental overview talks gave me an insight into other areas of the company I could work for and some were departments I never knew existed because they are so specialist! I like how such a large company can link all of the offices together so you feel like you are in a big community. During this placement I got a real insight into Savills is all about.

I still have a few years left until I graduate so I still have plenty of time to decide so I don't feel pressured after this placement. As I got to experience the team as I would if I was a full time employee and I received so much information on the stages I need to complete to join the company after graduation I think it really helps me decide on my future career path.

I was paid for the whole month of my placement and was reimbursed for expenses for my own travel to site visits.

Yes, I had lunch with the directors from the other departments in the office and was able to ask lots of questions. On the regional strategy I had the opportunity to meet other directors and associates who specialise in different areas. On a charity event I even managed to meet team members of our clients.

Really fun, I had opportunities to meet colleagues out of an office environment. I went canoeing with other team members from offices around the region and went for dinner afterwards. My team even organised a drinks evening to say goodbye to me on my last day which really made me feel like a member of the team.

Not really, I got an idea of different corporate events members of my team attend and what they do for entertaining different clients. I didn't really receive much information in what employees can do outside of work, I was aware there were things they can do but I don't think members of my team took part.

I would recommend this scheme to anyone who is interested in property but even for people who are unsure. I feel like you get such a 'real life' experience of what working in the industry and for the company would be like, it will really help you to be able to make the decision about what you want to do.