Insight Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my week in Savills - being able to experience the practical work but also the opportunity to meet a variety of different people within the property and planning professions.

I felt valued being given the opportunity to work on different schemes, giving me an insight to the work the team get involved in. It was positive that by the end of the week other members of the team (not just my mentor) were giving me work to look into.

Whilst I could sense how busy the members of the team were in trying to meet their own deadlines for clients, I still felt I was able to ask questions when necessary and my mentor was always happy to give me his time to explain and give necessary guidance.

I feel that being given work tasks of my own to undertake was invaluable and puts the theoretical knowledge from university into practice. Having looked through documents during the week I have learnt a lot of detail with regards to the planning process, especially relating to planning policy.

The structure had clearly been well constructed, with thorough information and timetable being provided beforehand. There was some slight deviation from the timetable but this was through necessity of team commitments. I also felt the visit from [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] People Development Officer, was a nice idea to check we were enjoying the process and getting the most out of the week.

Although I could sense the team were extremely busy, I still felt there was a good spirit in the office amongst colleagues. I felt welcomed and each of the graduate mentors across the Bristol branch went out of their way to make sure we felt comfortable during our week.

In addition to the input from the mentors, I also found it extremely beneficial in terms of personal development to meet directors of the branch and to be given the opportunity to be part of a networking evening with other professionals in the property sphere. This networking evening reinforced my confidence and helped to develop my social skills further.

The insight gave a valuable opportunity to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company. I was positioned centrally within the team and so was aware of what was going on around, and worked 9-5.30 each day (with an hour for lunch) as I would as an employee. I was very much aware, however, that team members often need to work in excess of these hours to meet deadlines.

I feel that I did acquire a good understanding of the company culture - to provide a professional and efficient service to clients within specific deadlines. I realised the importance of networking and building up relationships with clients. My appraisal at the end of the week made it clear that they were interested in personal attributes - enthusiasm, initiative, confidence, time-keeping and being personable.

The opportunity to have travel expenses by public transport was in place, however I did not need to take advantage of this.

Plenty! On the morning I arrived my mentor took me around all departments and introduced me to everybody present in the office. During the week we had a lunch with company directors where we were able to chat to them and informally ask questions. I was incredibly impressed to be taken to a networking event in the evening, where we were trusted to represent Savills and meet a variety of people in the planning and property sphere around Bristol - this experience I felt invaluable and will take what I learnt from this evening into the future.

The networking event I enjoyed thoroughly - not only were the Insights students trusted to be representatives of Savills, but the opportunity to meet such a variety of other professionals really was invaluable. An enjoyable and rewarding experience!

From informally speaking to the graduates we were made aware of a number of activities they get involved in outside of work - including football, golf and activity days such as go-karting - and also hospitality for events.

Absolutely - the opportunity to experience life with a company as prestigious as Savills is invaluable.