Tax Associate Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement year and this is partly due to the team I have been placed in. Having begun the year with very little knowledge of my department, and having never worked in an office environment before, the first couple of months were very challenging however, at the end of my placement I can definitely say I have learnt so much both about how it is to work full time after university and what my team work to achieve every day. I had previously never considered a role in tax, finance or accounting but can now see how this career path could help me with my future career plans and aspirations and hope to return to Grant Thornton after I graduate.

I was placed in amazing team who were completely supportive throughout my year in both my development as a team member as well as when I needed time off for medical reasons. I had the opportunity to work with every member of my team throughout my year including the teams Director who I attended client meetings and worked on projects with. I also received recognitions from my team members when I had worked well on a project through Grant Thornton’s three cheers initiative where employees can award vouchers to employees who they believe deserve to be recognised.

I was assigned a people manager and 'buddy' when I joined the firm. My buddy contacted me before my first day which was very reassuring and gave me the opportunity to ask questions before I started. Having a buddy has been invaluable for me as a new joiner as they have been someone I could go to as a first port of call whenever I had a questions or was struggling with a piece of work. My people manager has been extremely supportive over my year and has met with me for monthly catch-ups to see how I have been coping and to enable me to ask any questions.

The work levels varied over the course of the year however, I rarely had little to do and the majority of time (especially at Christmas and towards year end) I was very busy. The team always ensured I had support when I was busy and gave me opportunities to work on different projects and tasks when I was less busy.

I believe I was given an appropriate level of responsibility based on my experience and level in the team. I was left to work independently on tasks but I always felt able to ask questions and receive help whenever I required it. I was also given the opportunity to attend a number of client meetings with senior management to take notes, which I believe gave me the greatest understanding of how the team works. My responsibility has increased as my knowledge of the department has improved.

I believe the skills I have developed over my year will definitely help with my final year at university. My time management, organisation and ability to focus on a task has significantly improved over the course of the year. My year has also given me the opportunity to better plan for my future after university and help me begin to work out how to best achieve my personal goals and aspirations.

I was placed in a particularly great team and therefore the general atmosphere in the office was very sociable. It is easy to speak to managers and ask question and you do not feel like you are in a very 'corporate' environment which as a new person is very welcoming.

My work placement has been extremely well organised and I have had the opportunity to attend placement workshops, meet placement students from across the country and also work on placement projects. Starting with the summer interns made the first day a lot easier, meaning I began with a peer group to attend workshops with.

I was given the opportunity to attend different training sessions both related to the tax role as well as building on my personal development including presentation training and personal brand training. These are held in Bradenham away from the office which also makes them more enjoyable. These are skills which will also help me in my final year at university.

Very appealing, provided you perform well throughout your year you are given the opportunity to receive a graduate offer. Grant Thornton treat the year as an opportunity for your team to see whether you are a good fit for the business and then making a decision at the end of the year whether they would like to make an offer.

Yes, there is a very good social scene at Grant Thornton and a number of opportunities to attend events, sports activities and meet people from the firm. In addition, HR arrange placement events to give you the opportunity to meet other students from the business, going to the training centre in Bradenham is also an opportunity to socialise with the other placement students.

London, is a very expensive place to work. I am lucky enough to live just outside of London meaning I could commute from home. Travel was my largest cost for the year, however, Grant Thornton do provide the option to loan the fee which then comes out of your monthly salary. Socialising is also expensive however, GT are understanding of spending and look to find the best places with good deals. GT's salary for the placement year is also above average which does leave spending money. London is a great city to work and socialise in and doing a placement year is one of the best ways to experience whether you enjoy it or not.

The nightlife in London as expected is brilliant. There are so many different activities to do and also a number of bars, pubs and restaurants to socialise in. Compared to prices at university going out can feel very expensive however, GT look to take advantage of 'happy hours' and group booking savings which can bring down the cost significantly.

There were some activities to get involved in but I was not made particularly aware of these and therefore did not take part in any. However, as a team we did a number of activities together. There are also opportunities to join the events committee who assist with organising the Christmas party and summer socials.