Indirect Tax Intern Review

The insight was really enjoyable and I enjoyed being able to get to know both the team I was working in as well as others on the insight programme. I was given a variety of work to get on with and this made sure that my days were varied and interesting. The Student Recruitment Team also took good care of us and helped to ensure that the placement ran smoothly.

I felt as if those in my team were really keen for me to get involved in the work they were doing and wanted me to make the most of my time. This helped to make me feel valued, especially as I was given real work to do and was made to feel a part of the team I was in.

Although I had to be proactive in sourcing work to do during the insight, I always felt well supported. I was particularly supported by my team's People Leader who caught up with me regularly to ensure that I was doing ok, being made to feel welcome and that I had enough work to do. There were a number of colleagues who were always more than happy to give up some of their time to explain to me some of the basics of indirect tax. I also had the opportunity to meet with employees on the graduate scheme who were able to give me guidance on what it would be like should I decide to apply.

The placement taught me really good research skills and also really pushed me to use my own initiative to get things done that I had not previously been familiar with. The insight placement has allowed me to see leadership in a different context and this is something I will find useful whilst teaching at school this year.

The insight was well structured, starting with a group insight day before we moved on to working in our teams the following day. There was also the opportunity to regroup with the other placement students periodically to discuss our experiences. We had the opportunity to have a partner interview at the end of the placement, which was perfectly timed as it gave us the opportunity to get to know the area we had been working in and better understand the company.

The general atmosphere on the placement was very positive and there was generally a good buzz in the office and everyone seemed to get along well. There was also a positive atmosphere amongst the other placement students. I was really encouraged to make the most of everything I did during my time.

Most of the training and development I received was on the induction day, however the members of my team were always keen to informally offer me the chance to develop my knowledge. I was also given an induction by my team which allowed me to better understand how my team functioned within the context of the wider company.

Working in the Indirect Tax team for four weeks gave me a good idea of what it would like to work full time. I was able to talk to members of the team about the pathways they had taken into the company and gain insight into a number of different entry routes. Talking to the graduates I met was particularly useful as they were able to give me an accurate picture of what the first three years in the firm looks like.

The insight helped me to see how important it is in the company for everyone to work together, including across teams and departments. This led to a really open feel in the company. The insight also helped me to see how important honesty and integrity are to the ethos of the company.

Having the opportunity to do this placement was incredibly valuable to helping me decide my future career path. Currently I work as a teacher, but I really wanted to see how I would enjoy a completely different way of working. Through being immersed fully into the team I was able to gain a really clear insight.

There seemed to be a lot going on for employees to get involved with, including events organised within the team I was working in. I felt this led to a really positive atmosphere in the office and one where people were able to get along well. The team I was in encouraged me to get involved in the events/ activities which they held amongst themselves, which felt really welcoming.

I would definitely recommend this insight to a friend, particularly someone else who is considering transferring from teaching like myself. The insight I gained was really eye-opening and I was really made to feel welcome during my whole placement. In addition it allowed me develop lots of skills and to expand my knowledge of different sectors which I had the opportunity to work within.