Intern - Private Client Services Review

I got to experience two different areas of the firm as part of the placement but also had the opportunity to spend days in others. This gave me a really good overview of the role different departments play. The work was interesting and varied - I felt like I was really contributing to the Private Client Services department rather than just photocopying or making tea!

Being part of a small team, I was made to feel welcome from the outset. I was given plenty of work that was obviously designed to challenge me without being impossible, and I felt that my work was genuinely appreciated.

All the other staff in the department were more than happy to answer any questions about anything. The managers were keen to explain concepts about tax and general issues to me, whilst the more junior staff were very approachable to ask about day-to-day life at the firm.

I felt that the amount of work I had was very well balanced, starting slow and steady to let me find my feet, projects becoming more numerous and challenging as I got more experience. Being on a placement means I had the chance to work at my own pace through jobs, so that I could learn about specific issues. I never felt pressured to hand in work in a short space of time that I struggled with, but the expectations grew towards to end.

I was given responsibility for completing jobs as well as possible. This could mean calling HMRC, clients, other organisations to find more information. One project gave me responsibility for researching tax-saving methods. However, I was never left on my own and there was always someone I could turn to for advice.

Though the skills I learned were quite specific to the role, it was a very good introduction to what life would be like at the firm. It meant I could go into my final year confident that I had found a career I wanted to do and was enthusiastic about.

Though the work was taken seriously, there was a really good work/enjoyment balance across the office.

There were points of contact at all levels so everything went very smoothly. It was not so rigid as to be inflexible and I got to experience other departments to the ones I was assigned to.

From before the placement began, there was a big emphasis on personal development to get the best out of the scheme. This carried on throughout the summer with regular checks to make sure we were getting the most out of our time at the firm.

I have accepted an offer to join Private Client Services and can't wait to start!

Though we were all in different departments, we got plenty of time to see each other. Two socials were organised by the firm for us all to meet up and share experiences.

Leeds has a good balance in terms of price range for social events such as drinks, meals etc. I commuted each day from York - part way by car and the rest by train which saved on the expense of a full train fare.

We had two nights out in Leeds during the placements, which were very different. Both were fantastic and gave a good variety.

Socials were organised, you were made welcome to Friday drinks and there were sports teams for those who were interested.