Intern Review

I have really enjoyed my placement year so far with Hays, so much so that I have been offered an extension and gladly accepted. You are given all the responsibility of a permanent employee and manage your own daily schedule. The wider team have been really supportive and no question I ask has ever been thought of as 'silly'.

I sit within a hugely supportive team and contributions are really valued. Personal and tea achievements are rewarded on a frequent basis and there is no feeling that you cant speak openly with managers and directors if needed. Everyone in the surrounding team is very sociable and it is a great atmosphere to work in.

I have been lucky to have great line management as well as the support of colleagues who are more experienced and been with the business longer. Frequent KPI catch ups with managers has been very beneficial for me as I never feel I would be left behind. If I need extra support I know I can ask at any time.

My schedule is always full and it is all working on my own candidates and clients. Managing your own diary means that you can always keep on top of your workload. Helping out others in the team also means that in slower periods there is always work to be done. You can never be bored in this role.

I have the same amount of responsibility for my own candidates and clients as anyone else in the team. Other team members often look for support and trust you with their relationships. I have my own responsibility within the team to keep up with overall contributions and have to prove myself at the same standards as the rest of the team.

There is extensive training provided especially at the beginning of the internship. Group trainings with interns from other offices also gives you a chance to learn from others mistakes and problems. On going webinars and training sessions throughout the year not only help with work related training but also teach you about hot topics happening in industry.

There is a very good work/fun balance within the office. There is a busy and productive atmosphere throughout the week and a fun sociable atmosphere on Friday afternoons and at the end of each month. You can feel a buzz every time a deal is celebrated which pushes everyone around to strive even harder to do well.

There is continual progress updates each month where the interns from the office get together to hear about successes and improvements. There is also the chance to work on attracting the next cohort of interns to join Hays the following year, this has been really enjoyable sharing insights and being able to answer real questions.

I have had great training throughout the year. This has been both in groups and individually including business development, negotiation skills, interview skills, CV screening, candidate management and industry specific topics. There are subject and systems experts throughout the office to help with any day to day queries you have also.

There is a clearly defined promotion ladder with estimated time schedules also. It has been motivating to see many of my colleagues promoted sometimes twice in the time I have been here. As a returning intern you can also have a fast tracked first promotion in the first 3-6 months of returning.

There are social events both for interns only and also with the wider colleagues and teams. There are also social events at the end of the week in the local area if you want to attend. Incentives and rewards happen each quarter to reward hard work and achievements throughout the company.

The cost of socialising in London is slightly more than in other areas but there are many options at different price points dependent on your budget. Team nights out are always inclusive for the team and rewards are put on and subsidised by the company also. I don't live in the close area but many other interns do and have found shared living the best option.

Central London is always busy in bars and restaurants in the close area surrounding the office. Dependent on your preferences there are many options for cocktail bars, nightclubs and restaurants of all cuisines in walking distance from the office. There are also many options to buy lunch or facilities in the office if you bring food in from home.

There are different activities and charity events that you can get involved in including pub quizzes, tough mudder and other charity challenges. Most social events happen after work on a Friday and many people from the offices relax at the local pub and restaurants at the end of the week.