Intern Review

I would say it's definitely been a really good and enjoyable experience due to many reasons but one of the main things being the team I have been put with. Everyone gets along very well, they are extremely supportive and know how to have a good laugh. The only reason why I didn't give a score of 10 is because the lack of work-life balance. The company does have very good incentives but the working hours are quite difficult to adjust to and the days can be very long.

I can't sing enough praises for my team. They are constantly providing support, acknowledging me when needed and always offering me advice. They have helped me progress immensely in this past year and helped developed my confidence. They made me feel at home right away and were very welcoming, ensuring that I was comfortable to ask questions whenever I needed. My manager has assisted me on meetings and given me opportunities to grow.

The management at Hays Birmingham are excellent. They are always providing support and will answer any questions when you need them to. They always make time for everyone, regardless of seniority. They are extremely approachable so whenever I was stuck with anything I could just go and ask. The director of the whole office has an open-door policy and encourages people to speak to her whenever needed. They push you and encourage you to progress and help you identify where your weaknesses lie in order to improve your productivity.

The recruitment industry is a hard one to get started in. When it's busy, it's very busy and when it's quiet it's eerily quiet. It's quite market-dependant too and it takes a long time to establish your client and candidate portfolio and build a reputation for yourself. I wasn't a fully fee-earning consultant and would help other consultants with their jobs therefore my role was slightly more complicated. I would have liked to have a lot more on in terms of fee-earning.

One of the reasons why my placement year has been great is due to the autonomy I was given over my work. I volunteered to manage a whole account in the long-term absence of a senior colleague and was trusted to do so. This was within my two months at Hays and it was an amazing opportunity for me to grow. I was going out to client meetings on my own, generating fees and speaking to candidates. Whilst I was managing this account I was extremely busy and running my own project. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and it set me up for the rest of my placement year.

All the skills I've developed on during my time at Hays are transferrable skills which I can use even when I leave. I've learnt how to be more resilient and to not give up. I've grown hugely in confidence and feel comfortable talking to anyone and everyone. I know how to conduct myself better in front of interviewers and I've also looked at the different routes in which I can progress. I've matured and getting into a routine has helped discipline me for my final year of university. I'd encourage every student to undertake a placement year and the growth and experience is amazing!

They are very big on having a busy atmosphere and always introducing incentives to increase productivity and making work-life more exciting. Generally speaking, it's a very fun environment to work in as everyone is very friendly, people stop to have a quick chat and most colleagues know how to have a good laugh. At times when it's quiet, it is a little demotivating but other than that, it's a great atmosphere.

I feel indifferent about this particular section because due to the nature of recruitment, work is very up and down. I was doing something different every week more or less so I'm not sure whether that's an organised mess... or just a mess. Either way, I still think it was advantageous.

The training that Hays provide is one of their most valuable assets. It's recognised for investing in their colleagues and I was sent on a course for a few days. I was also given specific IT training in order to help me understand my market better. I was quite surprised that they invested this much in their intern programme and they even have a day every month dedicated to just the interns. I think they provide amazing opportunities for growth.

My director has already offered me an extension over the summer and they do encourage their interns to return after graduation. There are plenty of opportunities within the company but you get as much out as you put in. Progression and growth is in your own hands, although the managers are very encouraging and helpful.

There were three other interns whom I got along very well with. In terms of interaction, due to everyone being so busy it was hard to take time aside to socialise but every intern day we would get together and just catch up with how each one of us were doing. They were all extremely friendly and we all got on very well.

I lived in Central Birmingham, Jewellery Quarter. It was quite expensive but I'd recommend sharing with at least one other person. I'd definitely say I'm comfortable with the salary given, taking rent etc into consideration. The company is based in the city centre so I didn't have to spend on travel. Socialising is a little more expensive given that student nights fall on a weekday, and during placement that's not as easy to do (I would not recommend going to work with a hangover...)

The night life in Central Birmingham is amazing, there's lots to do with Broad Street around the corner. The Colmore Business District has plenty of nice bars and restaurants as well which is right outside our office.

I'm not too sure about this one as I never really looked into it.