Surveying (Commercial/Development) Review

by Savills

Best Student Employer

Rating

3.7/5
  • About You
    3.8
  • The Company
    3.7
  • Everything Else
    3.8

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • The summer scheme was thoroughly enjoyable. I learnt a lot about the commercial real estate sector and particularly real estate valuation. I went out on site visits and measured the area of an industrial units, calculated stamp duty for various deals, calculated property yields and also found comparable evidence for several offices. I found these tasks particularly enjoyable as they will help me progress within my career. Also, I now understand how valuation reports are structured and what is to be included.

    4/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • I felt valued during my time at Savills, I spoke to directors from various sectors and worked on several tasks. The fact that i got to meet clients, go on site visits and measure the area of units showed how valued i was. Also, directors constantly checked in to see if i was okay and went over any tasks i completed to ensure they were clearly understood. My team showed a real interest in me and my future.

    4/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • During my insight experience the associate director of the valuation division set me tasks in the morning, answer any queries and checked my work to ensure it was understood. The graduates also provided support and answered any questions or queries i had. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] provided guidance in regard to comparable analysis, measurement of office space and calculation of net in internal area, while, [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] provided support in regard to calculation of gross internal area of industrial units.

    4/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • Skills developed/Information received: -Yield calculation -Stamp duty calculation -Calculation of Gross internal area for industrial units and Net internal area for office space -Office lease viewing -Comparable evidence collection -Scrutiny of valuation reports -Analysis of Royal institution of charted surveyors redbook The following skills obtained above will assist me within my degree and beyond. The work is very similar to that conducted within my masters degree and therefore is very beneficial. Working within the valuation team will certainly help me within the future as this sector is important to complete my APC in the future.

    4/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • My insight was conducted during the global pandemic therefore the structure of the experience was different. The insight was reduced from 4 weeks long to only 1 week hence it was impossible to experience all sectors within the organisation. Meetings were planned and structured well to help generate a overall picture of the organisation; the process helped understand the work of other departments and where the market was heading in the future. Nonetheless, given the unpredictable nature of the job due to covid i was still able to go out on site visits and even meet clients.

    3/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • The general atmosphere during my insight was joyful, everyone was welcoming and wanted to help. Colleagues spoke to one another with respect and maturity. The flow of information within the office was strong, everyone knew their role and the tasks to be completed. The office atmosphere was relaxed whereby there was constant interaction between coworkers; everyone was happy and motivated to do their job. Also, flexible working allowed colleagues to adapt to any changes within their schedule.

    4/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • The firm invested in me by allowing me to work on client projects and complete tasks. When i was taken out to measure the gross internal area of a industrial unit my colleague allowed me to conduct the measurements and explained the process to me. The firm also invested in me by allowing me to calculate the market rent for office space and new proposed developments; i worked alongside colleagues on the calculation and comparable market analysis.

    4/5

  • 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
  • During the insight i worked on real life projects being conducted by colleagues, therefore i got full exposure on what it would be like to be within a full time position at the company. I also went out with the industrial leasing team to meet clients and went on office viewings within the city center. I believe i got a range of experience from several sectors by understanding day to day tasks, hence i understand full time roles within different departments.

    4/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • I gained a huge insight into the companies culture; Savills have a supportive and collaborative ethos whereby there is a environment which allows colleagues to reach their potential, there is a chance for people to flourish while creating a good work/life balance. The company places a high value on diversity which creates a contemporary culture to work in. Due to this ethos colleagues take initiative, think creatively and act responsibly. This allows colleagues to progress within their career while having a positive impact on the business.

    4/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • During my time on the insight program i got to experience a range of different departments. This has allowed me to filter roles i enjoy most. I thoroughly enjoyed the valuation department and would now like to pursue a career within this sector. I gained exposure to valuation reports, calculations and techniques and believe i have stronger understanding of the sector. The decision to pursue this career path stems from the fact i have gained real life exposure from the role and now understand the day to day life of a valuer.

    4/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • Savills reimburse up to £100 for travel and lunch expenses, providing you keep the receipts. Also, if you have any other expenses during the placement e.g. client meetings or site visits, if you keep receipts the company will arrange to give you the money back before you leave. The process is quick and simple you have to provide the receipts to the HR team [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] along with your account number, sort code and account name and this will be sorted swiftly.


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • There were many opportunities to network, i met the directors from majority of the departments and had an opportunity to converse and ask questions. The same with associate directors and graduates; they were all approachable and willing to help. There were also opportunities to network with clients and understand their needs and wants. The open floor plan at the Manchester office made it easy to talk and communicate with different departments without to much difficultly.

    4/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • The networking opportunities were good in Manchester as you get to meet everyone throughout the business. Majority of the time directors from all departments come to you and introduce themselves and ask about you and your background, this also give you an opportunity to introduce yourself and ask any questions. They also ask how things are and offer to help if there is any questions or queries. You work close to graduates and have the opportunity to converse on a daily basis.

    4/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • As this was a short insight due to covid i did not get the witness the activities outside from work. But colleagues often socialize after work and often go out for dinner. Also from a meeting i understand colleagues get involved in lots of charity work and fundraising but also sports and yoga. There is also opportunities to attend corporate events and university talks. The wide range of activities give you an opportunity to enhance your CV.

    3/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • I would certainly recommend the insight program to a friend. I have gained experience on a wide range of departments whilst gaining an understanding of what a full time position at the company is like. The opportunity has allowed me to network and meet a wide range of people within the industry. Also, I have been able to complete tasks that will help me progress within my career, these include -site measurement -yield calculation -stamp duty calculation -comparable analysis -industrial leasing -office leasing -commercial valuation

    5/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Property Management

North West

September 2020


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