Summer Intern Review

Very enjoyable few weeks

The team were very welcoming to me, and I felt a part of the team rather than just an intern. I was often invited out if the team went for lunch or had drinks which felt inclusive. It also allowed me to get to know what being on a team at Cushman’s would be like if I worked there.

My line manager was excellent giving all the support needed. I felt that if I had any questions I could easily ask them which allowed me to get the most out of the internship. I also felt that I could speak to others in the team who would be able to direct me if needed.

I was working on an ongoing project for most of the month which was good as I always had something to do, without a severe time pressure. I was also given other tasks to work on which gave me variety. The work load was manageable without it being too overwhelming.

I was working on a project that would otherwise be done by others in my team so felt I had a fair level of responsibility. At first it seemed a little daunting the level of tasks I was being given as they had a clear impact but that was also rewarding. I also got some time to learn to gain new skills which I wouldn’t have otherwise gained if I hadn't been given such tasks.

As I do not study this area/ profession this is less relevant but gained many general skills that will be useful in the future especially when applying for graduate schemes.

The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, the staff all made an effort to go out of their way to help you especially at first. The PAs were particularly helpful. There was a clear ethos of work hard but also play hard with lots of social activities going on and a sociable atmosphere overall.

The organisation was extremely well organised before, during and after the placement ended. We were giving a plan at the beginning of the 4 weeks on our induction day which helped map out what we would be doing. The correspondence with Caroline and HR was great, especially as we could contact them whenever we needed which was useful.

We were given an induction day at the beginning which was useful being given sessions in personal brand and pitching. We also had a session in public speaking which was useful. I felt I potentially gained more skills from just being in an office environment and the challenges that brings than the structured programmes.

The firm since merging with DTZ has become a major competitor in the industry and is growing quickly. This means that Cushman’s has high profile clients and portfolios to manage. It was an exciting time to work there as the largest ever building sale went through whilst we worked there showing how cutting edge the firm is.

There was a good social scene organised by the company at first as they put on drinks events, then as the scheme went on we organised these ourselves. There were also regular social events within the offices and teams – there was always something to get involved with to get to know people!

I commuted into the office from my home around an hour/ hour and a half away each day to save on London rents. The train season ticket was the main cost. Food and drink was relatively expensive in the surrounding area but there were plenty of more affordable places too nearby. It was easy enough to find reasonable places if you look!

I was commuting from around an hour away so I didn’t end up clubbing in the area due to getting home. I did enjoy the range of bars and pubs that surrounded where I worked, they were always busy on Thursdays and Fridays! There were some great places to go with other interns.

Yes there was a lot going on, especially for the time of year in summer when it might otherwise not be happening. I personally got to play netball every week which was nice to meet staff from other offices and teams and I know others got involved in various sports and charity events.