Summer Placement Audit Assistant Review

The team are so friendly, I felt welcomed from the moment I walked through the door. The environment was relaxed and comfortable, and I enjoyed going to work. The travelling wasn't as bad as I thought either!

Everyone told me to ask questions if I was unsure of anything, and my colleagues went to great lengths to ensure that I understood what I was doing. I was always thanked for my work and included in all conversations, both relating to the work and socially.

My most regular points of contact were the people who were in charge of the jobs (called In-Charges). However, whenever I was in the office I felt comfortable in asking managers for help and support, and I had a number of meetings (at the beginning and end of my internship) with managers and partners which provided me the opportunity to ask questions.

I was given just the right amount of work. When I had finished the work I had been given, I told my colleagues and they gave me more to do. I never felt as though I had too much or too little to do. The pace was very relaxed, and I was not expected to do more than I felt capable of doing.

I was actually quite surprised at how much responsibility I was given during my internship! From day one I was told to go and talk to the clients, to ask them for documents and to discuss things with them. Although this sounded daunting at first I soon got used to it, and found it very enjoyable. It demonstated how important client relationships are in this job. I was also given responsibility of completing large sections of the audit file, and conducting tests by myself (once they had been explained to me).

All the Grant Thornton summer interns were sent for a Presentations Skills course at the GT training centre, Bradenham Manor. The course was fantastic! It involved staying at Bradenham for two nights, which was lovely and really fun. The two men who ran the course, Ken and Tim, were excellent communicators and I really learnt a lot from them. I have definitely improved my confidence in public speaking, and learned some handy hints and tips too. The social aspect of the course was great too; in the evenings all the interns got together and I met some really nice people. I've picked up some great analytical skills, people skills and business knowledge that I know will help me for my future career.

Everyone is really friendly. People have time to chat to you, and there are a number of office events. I was frequently invited out for lunch with my colleagues, and it really made me feel part of the team.

Before going out to client sites we were given a three day induction which was really useful. It was done in the office, and involved learning about the software we would be using, about audit and getting to know our colleagues. I was put on a different audit for each of the four weeks, and was given a mixture of public and private clients. I also asked to do a few days in the tax department, and this was organised for me very quickly and efficiently.

They paid for me to attend the Presentation Skills course at Bradenham, and I have learned so much from 'on the job' training.

I haven't quite finished yet, but I hope something will come of this internship!

There were two interns that began before us, whom we met at a social event at the greyhound track, and also at Bradenham Manor. They were both really nice and gave us some great tips for our internship. Jo and I did our internship at the same time, and although we didn't see each other every day whilst on placement, I know that we will continue to remain friends once this is over.