Urban Design Review

The team were lovely and made me feel welcome. I was given a range of work to do. I am 100% certain that urban design is what I want to do. I would of liked a little more responsibility perhaps, and a more formal introduction on the first day - an icebreaker? Something to make us feel valued.

The whole team was really inclusive and encouraging, praising my work. Going out for drinks and lunch made me feel more valued, I will definitely be keeping my relationship with my colleagues strong. I understand that when they have a lot of essential work on, it can be hard to check up on me, but they did so anyway and answered my endless questions even when they seemed a little stressed.

My supervisors were extremely supportive of me and made me feel as if I have been a great help to the team. I would of liked them to criticise my work a little more so that I can learn. They often said it was fantastic work, but for example, if I saw the project which I had worked on the next day, elements would be different and I would like to know what these improvements are.

Sometimes I did not have a lot going on. I always tried to keep myself busy by extending the work for each project (e.g. a little more research), and then when I did ask for more work I was sometimes given very basic tasks which I do not feel allowed me to show off my true potential.

All of the work I was set, I was confident at doing. So I was not pushed out of my comfort zone as such, and not given a great deal of responsibility. However, I was involved in some big projects with great significance, and I am proud to of had some input into the design process.

I am about to undertake a MA Urban Design, and I have learnt so much that will help me do this. Such as software usage, and how to present work on a more professional level, presentations, and knowing the importance of site visits. I can't wait to begin my studies now I am more confident!

People were friendly and made jokes, always asking how I am and what I have been up to on the weekend etc. We had some social events however I would of liked some more to bond properly with everyone and break the ice. It would of made me feel more valued.

Obviously I understand that the work coming in cannot be arranged - it is how it is and therefore I need to accept that I cannot try everything. For instance, I would of loved a client meeting or to attend a public consultation, which would of made me feel more involved.

It would of been nice to sit for even half an hour every so often and thoroughly learn how to use each software/ design a site/ talk to clients etc. It was all a little rushed and in the air, leaving me to do things which I suppose forced me to learn on the job (good and bad).

I love Savills and will apply to their graduate scheme 2020, their corporate morals (such as 50/50 male to female split, and charity work) is brilliant, and the projects they produce are inspiring. However, it would be nice for a bit more 'excitement' - more social events, travel around the UK and abroad, meeting clients.

Yes we met up most lunch times, and began to organise out of work social events. We have added each other on social media and will remain in contact. We organised a site visit together and decided to present our research as one, in front of a range of other colleagues.

There is an Aldi, Costa, and nearby pub and café which are all reasonably priced once you know where to go. Luckily my team did show me these places near the start so that if I wanted to get lunch out, I could. But I usually ate lunch outside anyway.

I love Oxford however Savills is located a little too far from the city centre, and therefore at lunch time or after work there are not many opportunities for a spontaneous social event. Botley is nowhere I would like to be at night, but it is pretty dull in the day anyway.

I know that the agency department did many sporting events, however the planning and urban design department did not have a lot. It would of been nice to do evening events with the team, or whole of Savills, to make it feel more inclusive and communal. To feel more valued.