Summer Scheme - Planning Review

My time with Savills was excellent, with access to genuine responsibility and insight into planning. The team I worked with were welcoming and gave me the opportunity to get an insight into the depth and breadth of the industry. Working hours were always reasonable and the work load manageable; without being bored.

My colleagues were very welcoming and were always happy to help me understand more about planning, especially as I didn’t previously have any experience of this sector. The office was very sociable and I felt very included. It was always acknowledged when I had completed work and was regularly given useful feedback.

My managers were always happy to help me progress and understand the industry. They took time to explain things to me and discussed the potential for the sector openly and honestly. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the industry and my managers were a big part of that.

I always had work to do in my inbox but never felt overwhelmed and buried in work. This made the day go so much quicker and meant I came into work every day with objectives for what I wanted to get done. It also allowed me to go to site visits and events whenever I had the opportunity to.

A lot of the work I was doing was of genuine importance and helped form the background to planning applications and potential work. I was given the freedom to manage my own schedule and get on with my work independently, which I definitely appreciated. Where possible, I was informed and involved in the outcome of the work I produced.

I would definitely say the skills I gained at Savills will help me in later life. In particular, the career pathway options that I have more information on will help inform my future decisions. Also, I was given time to chat with my team about my dissertation and the help they could give with that.

The office had a nice atmosphere, whereby you could get work done when required, but also have fun with colleagues and not feel under pressure. I enjoyed the company of my colleagues and looked forward to going into work everyday. The office was well laid out and the facilities excellent.

The team made sure I had a full schedule and planned activities in to make sure I had plenty to do. The graduate team were excellent in supporting us and ensuring that we had all the information and documents required, as well as including those of us in the regional offices in talks.

We were given training talks throughout the month I was at Savills and my team invested time in ensuring that I understood as much about planning as possible. There was plenty of access to learning and development materials to ensure that you could learn as much possible on your time there.

I will definitely be applying to the Savills graduate scheme in the future due to having such a positive experience on the summer scheme. I have learnt so much from this experience and with the excellent reputation of the graduate scheme I wouldn’t doubt that would also be excellent too.

There were definitely opportunities to get involved with the social scene at savills and I was always included in any drinks or social occasions organised. Equally, there was no pressure to get involved and I didn’t feel that’s I had to attend very social event that was going on in the office.

I was able to live at home during my summer placement and travel was fairly cheap. The city I was based in is known for being an affordable area with plenty of options of reasonable travel prices and places to eat. I didn’t feel strapped for cash on this placement.

The city has a good bar and club scene with plenty of options depending on what you want. Lots is independent and affordable bars as well as all the standard chains. There are less upmarket options if that’s what you prefer, it’s pretty down to earth in the area to be honest.

As the office I was located in was quite small there wasn’t loads of opportunities but there was a football team and walking club weekly which you could get involved in. Plus there were a few social events whilst I was there which were good fun. I really enjoyed the balance.