Tax Trainee Review

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Was given real work from day one and great exposure to different teams/type of work! Everyone really made an effort to get to know me and there was plenty to do 'out of the office'. There was my teams away day, where we went on a treasure hunt across London in a privately rented bus, the annual Grant Thornton 5-a-side tournament and along with the other interns, we organised a sports day for the department which we had a good turnout for!

I felt fully valued - there wasn't the label of being 'just an intern'. My opinions felt valued and I was always included and felt a part of the team.

The non-hierarchical structure made it very easy to always get support and feedback about the work I was doing. At the start of the internship, I set goals with my line manager. One of them was to get as much exposure to different teams as possible. This was made possible and after introducing myself to other teams, it meant there was always work that I could do!

I was kept busy, which really fits in with my personality. I was able to complete some work at my own pace but also got given a good amount of work which was required to be completed to a deadline. This meant I was working alongside/with other associates and managers too!

I had a good level of responsibility for my level of qualification. I was working on real work that goes out to clients and given feedback at each stage/submission of work that i completed.

During my internship, we went to Bradenham Manor. It's Grant Thornton's estate in High Wycombe which they use for the training of their staff. I attended a presenting training course, spread over a couple of days. We did lots of exercises and practiced our presentations (which we gave to a panel of managers and partners at the end of our internship) and I could see a huge difference just over a couple of days. I went from someone who wasn't that confident to having the ability to deliver a strong confident presentation (or so the feedback from the course and the presentation said!)

The general atmosphere in the office is very friendly and inclusive. The CLEARR values aren't just words on paper, but they really are shown in the people who work there. Having the non-hierarchical structure of the office really supports this too.

The internship was well organised and through the setting of goals and team/intern tasks, it really made sure that I made good progress as an intern. There were plenty of organised events which were fun and involved everyone (not just us interns).

With Bradenham (as I explained before), it felt like a huge investment into me. Along with delivering my presentation to a panel of managers and partners really made me feel like what I was presenting had significant important. The half-term review and closing interview really showed my development during my time which was comparable to the goals which I had set myself at the start.

In my closing interview, they delivered my feedback and gave me a graduate offer. I'm really looking forward to be joining the firm September '15!

The social side was really good, a decent balance between work and social was created. There was always plenty to do such as the 5-a-side, sports day and away days, as well going out for lunches and after work drinks.

I was based in the London office, but I also go to University round the corner, so it was very convenient for me as I already had accommodation. Regardless of this already, it was meant so everyone could be included socially/no one was excluded because of the stigma about London prices.

After studying in London for 2 years, I know the area quite well. I would say the nightlife is fantastic and thoroughly enjoy it.

As stated before, there was a good amount of opportunities to get involved with activities outside of work which were great fun.