Intern Review

It's been a great year in industry and I feel like I've gained many transferable skills. Client meetings and interviewing candidates was probably the best part of the role.

I always felt like a valued member of the team - you're certainly recognised for the success you bring to the team. Although if things don't go so well in terms of fee's it can be difficult to not loose confidence.

I was always given lots of support - If I asked for more I was always given extra.

It's very rare that you will have a nice relaxed day where you feel totally in control. When jobs are being called in or you have to find a replacement it can inevitably through you into a bit of a panic when you first start. However, this gets easier as you get to grips with the role and I feel a lot more in control at the moment.

I was given complete control of my desk and you can run it exactly how you think is best. I was able to book meetings and visit client on my own, interviewing candidates, negotiating fee's with clients. Overall, I was very pleased with this aspect of the placement year and you afforded all this responsibility from day 1.

Even though I have now decided I would not like to pursue a career in recruitment I feel as though the skills I have developed and learnt since I started will prove invaluable for the future. So many aspects to the job are transferable and I certainly would recommend a placement with Hays to anyone.

There was always a buzz around the office, large open-plan feel to it, every couple of months there would be a fancy-dress day or something with prizes for the best dressed.

I was given a 12 week training plan with regular one-to-one sessions to help me with all aspects of the role. You're also sent to London or Birmingham for a few days to take part in training with some of the other interns. This includes sales training and system training - great fun and very beneficial.

As I mentioned above, Hays offer great training and they put me up in a fantastic hotel for the training in Birmingham.

As long as you do a good job you're pretty much guaranteed a job with them if you want to return. Like I mentioned earlier it's not for me but I can see how it would be appealing for some. The base salary is a little low however ...

Everybody always went out for drinks after each period end (once a month) there was often a free bar provided the office had done well. There was only 1 other intern in the office and we got on very well and had some good nights out so I cant complain!

Bristol prices are pretty steep but there are some cheap watering holes if you know where to go.

Bristol has some of the best nightlife in the UK and it's relatively small size means you won't have to fork out loads on taxis getting home.

Nothing much really - there's no inter office sports tournaments or other activities. I think the only thing that happened was an office football match which was great fun. One of the only areas for improvement really!