Insight Programme-Planning Review

I found the insight programme very interesting and raised ideas and practices that I was unaware of from my previous 6 month placement with Sedgemoor District Council. I enjoyed the vast majority of tasks I undertook.

I found the tasks I undertook were interesting and were useful to the planners within the office. I found my tasks challenging and rewarding and continual feedback and guidance was appreciated.

I received continual feedback and guidance throughout the insight programme.

Following my 6 month placement with Sedgemoor District Council, I decided that I would undertake an MSc in Planning at Plymouth University. Considering the majority of my tasks were development based, a planning programme with Savills has been useful and has developed my knowledge and skills required for this course.

I believe that the Insight programme was well structured by both the London and Regional offices. The Cardiff branch gave me a lot of tasks which were relevant to tasks being undertaken within the office. Many planning officers took time out of their schedule to make me aware of plans and give me an idea of what modules in my masters degree will entail.

I found the office environment to be busy yet morale was very high. Therefore, I found the atmosphere enjoyable.

Having attended webinars regarding graduate opportunities and APC, I believe that Savills will invest in my development should I get the opportunity to work for the company. I found that both accreditation training and post qualification training was a prominent theme within the company. A statistic used in the webinar suggesting that 40% of directors were Savills graduates implies my assumptions to be correct.

Having completed previous programmes, I knew what would be expected. However, the working hours conducted within the private sector seem to be longer with employees going above what may be expected of them. I found this to be interesting and the insight programme taught me that motivation and enthusiasm within the office was better than previous placements.

I found that the insight programme taught me that Savills conducts itself in a professional manner and pays great attention to its clients.

I shall be doing an MSc in Planning from September with Plymouth University. Despite being accepted I have been in two minds on taking the my place, however, after completing the insight week with Savills it is apparent that an MSc in Planning is the norm rather than a bonus. I will then look to gain graduate employment after finishing my studies.

Reimbursement of expenses will be paid after the programme has ended.

I had the opportunity in meeting all employees within the office as well as being taken to site visits to Ystrad Mynach, Welsh Planning Inspectorate and GVA, therefore I had good opportunities to network with Savills and Clients.

I found the opportunities useful.

I found out that there are a range of opportunities for sports and socials within the company through emails, connect and webinars.

Yes. I would recommend the insight programme to a friend.