Pensions intern Review

Very much so, I was made to feel welcome from day one and I was trusted to manage my own time and to complete the work to an excellent standard. This level of trust meant I worked independently while safe in the knowledge I could ask for help from anyone on the team. I was given varied work so it didn't feel repetitive and kept me stimulated for the duration of my time there.

Being trusted to complete my work in time and to a high standard really made me feel valued - nobody was condescending or made me feel like a burden. I was invited to socials and the environment was very warm and inclusive. I felt as though my work and contributions mattered which was key to making me realise my worth in the team.

Everyone was warm and approachable - I had no reservations about asking questions no matter how silly they might have seemed. I was checked on now and then which struck the right balance between not making me feel as though I was being babied and ensuring I felt supported and well looked after.

It varied - sometimes I had multiple projects going at once, sometimes I struggled for work (although there was shadowing, admin or other things to do) and sometimes it was just right. This was mostly down to clients, however, as we didn't always receive the reports needed on time and many came through at once. It was well-managed and the workload was evenly spread.

Lots - I was responsible for a laptop and a company phone for starters, and that was before the workload. I was left to my own devices when working on projects, preparing reports that were then reviewed, which is a fair level of responsibility - I was in control but it was of course moderated in order to make sure it was of the appropriate high standard that a Big 4 company would be expected to produce. I was then trusted to make the required changes so I feel I had a high level of responsibility.

This experience has been of such high value to me - I now have a much better understanding of the job role and have been able to put many of my skills (time-keeping, teamwork etc) to the test. I have proved these skills and they will definitely be helpful to me going forward. Having actually worked in the environment doing the work I would be expected to, I now am certain that this is the line of service I want to join in the future and so I have a clear vision of where I want to be which will push me to work even harder with my studies in order to get there.

Upbeat - I wouldn't go as far as relaxed simply because everyone is working to deadlines and to high standards. However, everyone was cheerful and not like the clinical office stereotype that you might see in other companies. The layout helped with this - people are sat around tables together to help motivate and drive each other. This made a for a less stressful environment and the colour and generous space in the office made the atmosphere brighter. People here genuinely enjoy the work they do and this is a beneficial environment for all.

There was a tiny bit of confusion over who my "buddy" was supposed to be on my first day in the office but this was such a minor issue and was resolved effortlessly. I had small issues with my laptop not having the required software installed, but again it was handled well. I had work ready for me and examples of similar audits to look at so that I could learn myself at my own pace and there was always someone on hand to help out, so everything appeared well-organised.

I had plenty of training, both line of service specific and company-wide training that was useful to me. I had the opportunity to ask questions during the line of service specific ones and I feel that the company has taken time to refine these sessions over time. This investment of time alone made me feel as though I was of value, and I think it is a valuable investment to make.

Extremely appealing - in the 6 weeks I spent here I have been well cared for, and have seen how this care continues into the new graduates and beyond. Speaking to current associates backs up what I have seen and experienced, and I want to join a company that goes the extra mile for their employees while providing work I will find enjoyable and stimulating - I have seen both of these things here.

There was both a welcome meal and a leaving meal for me despite me being on the team for just six weeks. I was invited to socials on the terrace in the office as well as other events after work. I was the only intern in my line of service but I still knew some from other lines of service and we would meet for lunch etc. I think the fairly frequent social events are why the team work so well together - this has a positive impact on the team.

Leeds has a reasonable cost of living - nothing like London. Socialising is cheap enough if you're local & know where to go (or know someone who does). Previously, the company has been able to get a deal, i.e. £x on a bar tab so through work it can be a particularly cheap night! Other socials such as booking out somewhere for sport/going to watch sport is again relatively cheap for what you get.

Leeds is well known for having a good nightlife, with a large variety of places to go with different kinds of music - Leeds nightlife can very much be a one size fits all as there's something for everyone here. There are popular chains in the city centre as well as some places that are less well known - there's always something that you'll enjoy.

Plenty - socials such as darts playing and walking club were put into our calendars with all the details needed all there so we could confirm our attendance on there making it easy to get involved. We also received emails about other kinds of events such as singing and the chance to join a fantasy football league - there was always something to get involved in.