ASPIRE Work Experience Review

I enjoyed learning about the different roles in Deloitte, certain activities such as the Tax game was useful, however others such as the Audit game where we had to find out where people lived I believed was not a good use of time as I learnt nothing new about the company or new skills. However most were successful and useful.

The people we spoke to from the firm were all friendly however it was often clear that we were looked down upon as inferior, which although was expected, would've been nice to feel able and valued within the firm. However I still view the environment as somewhere I would be respected as an employee however not as a work experience student.

I received lots of guidance from the staff running the excersise as they were friendly and supportive during all tasks. We spoke to some members of staff who were all friendly and informative, I learnt a lot from them and they created a good impression of your firm. Laxmi from HR was always present to ask questions and ask for advice which was beneficial to all and created a friendly impression.

The interview techniques we learnt were useful for both the Deloitte interview and other interviews we will attend within our lifetimes therefore this was a useful session. The presentation skills we learnt helped us build our confidence, the progress we made could clearly be seen between our first and final presentation within the group. These presentation skills helped most develop skills they had never had opportunity to practice before so was a useful excersise

The days seemed very structured with a clear run through the day at the beginning, then reminders every break of the rest of the tasks. The timings were clear of the tasks and there were games inbetween to keep the day flowing and audience engaged. Overall the structure was good but sometimes we finished earlier than expected as the tasks were too simple for the time given:

There were many fun games which kept the week intresting and helped break awkwardness between the new people. The people involved were all focused and enjoying themselves so it created an overall good atmosphere. The layout of the day was good as the breaks and range of activities kept the days intresting and different thus stopping boredom so the week was very good.

They brought in professionals to teach us skills in presentations, interviews, resilience and making postitive impressions. This training was benefitcal for us and we learnt a lot therefore showing that the company cared for our futures and were intrested in improving our skills for our whole working lives thus making us feel valued and giving a good impression of the company.

We did some tasks that would we similar to a job within the firm however some had little relevance therefore giving no impression of the profession as it just seemed like a game. We stayed in the same room for the whole time therefore we did not get to see any offices or where I would actually work if employed therefore I did not get a full feel of the office atmosphere.

We learnt about the expectations of the company and their values, especially relating to the consultancy section therefore this was useful as it helped me understand the company's aims and what employees work towards everyday. However we stayed in the same room all week and did not receive a tour of the office therefore I did not get to see the environment I would work in daily so didn't see the culture.

Some tasks were useful such as the consulting two day task and tax session, as the skills used were similar to those I would use if working for Deloitte although it was simplified obviously. However many of the games we played were completely unrelated and boring which seemed like a waste of time for all involved therefore I think we should get some choice over the games played as this would make it more enjoyable for all

All travel expenses with evidence will be refunded up to a value of £50 which was beneficial to me as the travel was expensive everyday therefore this made Deloitte seem generous and eager for me attend the daily sessions therefore the reimbursed expenses reflected postivitely upon the company. I was not expecting to be paid therefore this did not effect me at all.

Yes we met several employees from different sections of the business which was useful as we got to hear different perspectives of the company and make connections. We were able to talk to them and ask for advice on the company and their routes into the company which was useful to me. They listened to our presentations and gave us tips on how to improve in the future which was useful.

I made many friends which are useful as I can use these relationships within my future working life and my current social life. These connections can be useful therefore I am greatful I had the opportunity to build these. I spoke to many people from different sections of the company, which was useful as I can utilise these connections if i join the company or use the company in the future. Or to simply ask for advice

Yes I learnt about the sports activities they run for their employees such as climbing mountains and marathons. They also run charity events and children's events at the nearby arena centre therefore it was useful as I learnt about the social life outside of the office so I know there is chances to make informal communication outside of the office and make friendships.

I would recommend as I made lots of new friends and connections. I got an insight into the company and their ethics and learnt about the different roles avalible, helping me decide on a role. I received lots of training on different professional skills such as training, presentation skills, making connections and building raport.