Intern Review

I found this placement really interesting and it has given me the chance to see what it would be like on a daily basis. There was always something interesting to be doing and there was plenty of opportunities to get involved in other extra curricular activities which made me feel part of the office.

They were all very welcoming, making sure I felt comfortable by involving me in conversations and always asking questions getting to know me. They also made sure I had work to do, which wasn't just admin tasks but instead they took the time to explain to me how to process works and how my part would contribute to the final result, I was invited out regularly to events such as hikes and after work drinks so it felt like I had always been there.

Everyone I worked for was more than willing to explain and help me with anything I didn't understand and even to just have a general conversation about what I wanted to get out of the placement and what their experiences were. We had regular catch ups with our counsellor to check how we were doing and also the opportunity to chat with the student recruitment team about any issues we were having. There was plenty of opportunity to seek help.

Each day could vary depending on what stage of the process we were at but there was always something to be doing. Most of the time it would be client related work to contribute to the work but on the odd occasion it would be more admin based tasks which had to be completed throughout the internship.

Most of the time I was working within a team but there were occasions that smaller jobs would be handed over to me to do myself to see what I had learnt and how comfortable I felt doing this. They were never huge tasks and it would always be reviewed after I had finished but to me this was the perfect way to be eased into a role.

If I was to receive an offer for a placement year here then the skills will most definitely be applicable to the role then, but also for any similar role. In regard to my degree studies, I feel the team working skills would certainly help with group work and my improved ability at analysing statements will be useful when I continue with my degree.

The office was very relaxed, no one rushing around and stressing but there was still a strong work ethic. Everyone was friendly and took the time out of their day to introduce themselves to me and have a chat. Whether it was about work or general, they were more than happy to have a conversation.

I feel it was well organised and they had took their time planning the induction events and the weekly webchats to make sure we were comfortable during our time here and knew where we could turn for support. In terms of the office itself, they had me on jobs as soon as I got there which meant I could dive right in. The only problem I found was that they had most of the events in London, which although they did pay for it, I found it abit of a hassle having to travel down for them. It would have been nice to have had some up north.

For the short time I was there, there was an effort to set goals and decide where I want to go and what I want to get out of it because they were invested in us making the most of our time there. There was always our counsellor available to talk to if there was anything we needed and to help us progress further.

The opportunities I was given whilst I was there allowed me to show them what I was capable of and the potential I have. I feel like they provided me with everything I needed to showcase my skills and it was just a matter of me taking advantage of these chances.

There was only one other student who I didn't have the chance to catch up with but the office were regularly out, like once a week, to have a catch up with the people they hadn't had the chance to see and wind down.

Compared to back home (Hull) I found the cost of socialising to be slightly higher, probably because a lot of the bars are more upmarket, but in terms of travel and food the cost was reasonable and what I would expect to pay up north.

I never had the chance to go out and experience it for myself but from what other people have said, it's a very lively place to be. And the place I was staying during my placement was well placed in the city centre and there was plenty of noise on a weekend coming from the bars, suggesting there was a lot to be doing.

In the 4 weeks that I was there, there was a chance to go ice skating, on a hike and for some after work drinks. After talking to some of the staff there, I got the impression that they try to arrange events where they can, and they try and do something different each time.