Summer placement student Review

The work was very enjoyable to undertake. The main value gathered from the tasks were the variety of them and the insight gained from members of the team. The tasks did not require too much industry/technical knowledge which is ideal for a summer student, however, skills such as time management and business acumen are developed during various activities in a workday.

I felt very valued by my colleagues. Although my tasks did not require as much technical skill as their jobs, anything I could aid with, I did. My colleagues were helpful in explaining any area of a task that I was unsure of, and were invaluable in helping me get an idea of the great company culture cultivated by Savills.

I was given support by my managers and supervisers when needed, however, you are not mollycoddled, which is a good thing. I was presented with a task and the necessary information to complete it. However, my manager was always available for me to approach and ask for help if I needed it.

As with all placements, some days were busier than others. However, I always had something to do as during my slower working days I could work on the summer project issued at the beginning of the placement. The deadline for this was the end of the internship and so the work contributing to it could be ongoing.

I was given a lot of responsibility from day one. When out conducting a valuation on a property, I had to take the measurements and figure out the area of the site which would be used in the official valuations. I was also responsible for collating the correct planning documents from various local authorities which were important in ensuring the planning documents are correct before a property is sold.

The knowledge of the property industry that I gained during my placement was invaluable. As my colleagues were so open, I felt like I could get an honest, in depth answer about any question hat I had. My communication skills were developed through communicating with members of the team and clients. This will help me in both interviews and any job role, regardless of the industry

As my placement was in July, the workload was pretty busy. However, this meant that the atmosphere was great as everyone was in a great mood when a property was sold. Every member of staff was amicable and free to answer any question at any time and as I was in a smaller city office, it was a very work hard play hard atmosphere

The work placement was set up well as I was given the opportunity to rotate between various departments within the office; valuations, agency, planning and ratings. The tasks were also varied and managers were understanding if they gave you a task that conflicted with the deadline of another for a different team.

The training offered was very good. We had 13 training presentations that we could attend online via an email link that was sent to all of the summer placement students, providing an overview of the various departments within Savills, given by graduates currently working with the company in said departments.

After hearing from the graduates giving presentations, Savills looks like a very good company to work for. After discussing with other graduates during the various social events, I learnt that the preparation for the APC was second to none and the pass rate for Savills grads is almost 100 percent.

There was an active social scene within the office and I even played squash with my line manager! Various after work drinks events were organised throughout my placement, giving a chance to socialise with colleagues. On a wider outlook, interdepartmental events were also organised and I got the chance to attend the Manchester Urban Challenge and the Great Yorkshire Show.

The cost of living was relatively low as I was in a northern office, so buying lunch and train travel home was pretty inexpensive. However, I may have a bias view as I was living at home during my placement and had the opportunity to commute so my expenses were low.

The nightlife is okay but there is more of a bar scene than clubs though. However, Liverpool and Manchester were not far away.

Yes, there were many opportunities offered and even encouraged to get involved in. I mentioned before that I played squash with my manager on my lunch break. I also managed to go to the Savills marquee at the Great Yorkshire Show and also had the chance to attend the Urban Challenge in Manchester