Student Review

The placement was more stressful than enjoyable. Although I can appreciate the constant judging of behaviour, the office itself lacked sense of community and humour.

I felt more valued during the end of the week and by other members of staff than my mentor themselves.

Great guidance in terms of not feeling like a burden, with plenty of tasks to do, so great organisation from my mentor. However, my mentor somewhat left me swimming in a big pond and was very reluctant to guide me on even the general workings of the office, which for any new member of staff is challenging.

Hugely insightful week, despite the stress. I have learned a number of valued skills, expanding both my written and verbal communication.

Very well structured. However, possibly too many graduate tasks/ too big a graduate task (the presentation), in turn I felt my true personality was watered down as I constantly had to prep for this/ prep for the at home and was subsequently very tired. It took up too much time, jeopardising networking opportunity.

Pressurising and somewhat flat. It wasn't a nasty atmosphere by any means, but it was also not warm and appealing.

Very much so. Shadowing a trainee was useful in watching their daily realities. Also, joining in on trainee tasks gave you a great insight.

Only being a week was limiting the amount of time you could absorb into the firm.

Only for meeting trainees. There was limited opportunity to mingle with any higher positioned people without feeling like a burden.

Great and valued experience and could be even greater for a different individual. I would let them know of the positives and negatives and let them weigh this up with their personality/ aspirations.