Work Experience Student

Alexander

Business

Placement (10 Months+)

Savills

What are the highlights of your placement?

I have been working in Savills Valuation team in the West End. The main highlight has been the opportunity to inspect and value a large variety of properties from development sites to £10M+ houses in Mayfair. I have enjoyed taking responsibility of the full valuation process from initial research through to inspection, measurement and finally valuation and I have been given real exposure to clients, agents and banks as part of my work. I think the most important thing to know is that you are not treated as an ‘intern’, but as an employee and you are given the opportunity to carry out valuable work which not only helps the business but also your personal development.

How has this placement affected your career prospects?

This placement has given me the valuable practical experience I required, whilst enabling me to make a contribution to the firm. As well as confirming that this is the career for me I believe this placement has made me much more employable, and given me confidence in my own abilities and knowledge within the industry.

How would you describe the culture at Savills?

Savills has a friendly culture and I, like many was surprised to find that a large firm felt so small. You work closely with your team which to gives the firm an intimate feel with the benefit of being able to draw on the resources that only a large firm offers. Everyone I have met has been kind and helpful and I have always been made welcome at social and sporting events held after work.

What does the placement include?

The placement offers a good mix of practical work as well as informal departmental talks, giving you experience in a specific area whilst allowing you to develop an understanding of the opportunities available elsewhere in the industry. On the social side there have been plenty of organised drinks and sports events as well as the slightly less formal after work drinks at the end of the working week.

What do you do on a day to day basis?

My role is incredibly varied. This week I have been on a number of inspections in London and the Home Counties. I have subsequently researched, valued and written reports on these properties and once agreed with my director they are sent off to the client. I like having a number of valuations on at the same time as it has allowed me to get involved with a variety of properties helping to keep the work varied. The responsibility I have been given to manage my work and conduct my own valuations has allowed me to develop useful practical knowledge, which has been a real added benefit of this placement.