Summer Vacation Student - Tax, Global Employer Services Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my 6 week internship with Deloitte in Tax – Global Employer Services. So much so, that I look forward to continuing this work as a graduate in the coming year. I never felt bored, and found the work extremely interesting every day. My colleagues were so friendly as well, so this made the job even more enjoyable.

My colleagues made me feel very valued - whether that be praising and thanking me for my work/help, or inviting me to lunches and socials. From day one, I felt like part of the team and as if I had known and been working with them for years, not days or weeks!

Having read reviews and forums about Deloitte internships, I expected the support to be good. However I did not expect everyone to be as helpful as they were - this was where I was most impressed with the Deloitte internship! Before I started working there, I was allocated a ‘buddy’ with whom I met with to discuss any questions/worries. This person was always on hand throughout my internship as well to offer guidance and ensure I was okay. As well as this, every colleague was always willing to help, even if that meant stopping what they were doing and taking some time out of their own work schedule.

From my first day I was being allocated work and soon learnt the importance of job lists to keep track of the work I had to do! I would say I was fairly busy most days, which I found to be a good thing as it really gives you a taste of working life. However, I never felt overwhelmed with work, and my colleagues understood if I ever felt like I couldn’t take on an extra job.

I was given the responsibilities that a year 1 grad would be given. Initially I was given the less complex projects, and as my understanding and knowledge of the service line developed the projects became more challenging. All the work you do for a client is looked over by a more senior colleague, so there is responsibility, but not a huge amount of pressure.

In terms of my degree, time management skills will definitely come in useful. Whereas I feel the overall experience of working at a large company with different colleagues is one that will aid me in whichever job I go into in the future. Team work and the sharing of knowledge are also valuable skills I experienced during my internship.

The atmosphere was a more laid back than I expected. Everyone worked hard, but there was always an undertone of talking and conversations. I got the impression that everyone was genuine friends with each other, which made it a very welcoming office to work in. Overall, I would describe the office as hard working, but friendly and welcoming.

The internship was very organised, even before we actually started in the office. Firstly, being allocated a ‘buddy’ to offer you advice and guidance was very helpful. The weekend before we started work, we had an induction event with every new intern (Summer Vacation Student) in the country. This was a chance for us to socialise and get to know each other, while also gaining some prior knowledge and skills. During the actual internship, your buddy was always on hand, but there was also a SVS leader, who ensured you were getting on okay and gaining the experience you need. There were also regular socials organised for all the interns at the office.

Initially, I sat down with a couple of colleagues who explained the basics of what I would be doing. I then attempted to do this work and 'learn on the job', but everyone offered to help whenever I didn't understand something or got stuck. There were a few online tests/training modules that I had to complete - for example ethics and equality, security etc.

After having a partner interview in the last week of my internship, I was offered a grad scheme for when I finish my degree. I promptly accepted, and look forward to joining them in a year's time. They also expressed how supportive they are in advancing your career throughout the company.

The company had a few 'social event organisers' who organised regular socials for all the interns at the office. We all also regularly met up to socialise and catch up. As well as this, the office arranged 'free drinks Friday' on the first Friday of every month, individual service lines organised lunches and after work drinks, and finally there was an 'away day', where the tax departments went to Go Ape followed by a meal and party.

I was living at home and commuting each day, so living costs were not an issue. However, Birmingham is quite reasonable for living costs and socialising prices. There are also a lot of public transport options including trains and busses, so living outside of the city centre is also an option for cheaper accommodation.

In Birmingham, there are a large number of restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs all within walking distance of each other and the office - perfect for after work dinner with colleagues followed by drinks and a night out. There are also plenty of transport options - trains, busses, taxis etc. available.

Other than social events which occurred regularly, there were also sports teams you could join - netball have weekly matches, but I believe there are a number of sports that you can take part in. There were also weekly networking events which gave you the opportunity to meet people from other businesses.