Summer Scheme Student Review

I have really enjoyed my summer scheme internship at Savills. It has been a great opportunity to get into the flow of working life, learning the versatile aspect of the job both in the office and out on site. The summer scheme has helped me to learn more about the industry, which will help me when I undertake my MSc Real Estate in Reading in September 2018.

My colleagues made me feel very valued in the team. This was achieved by carefully explaining and demonstrating tasks to me so that I could perform them to my best ability and to Savills' high standard. After each task I completed all colleagues were quick to thank me and give me both positive and constructive feedback.

My supervisors were extremely helpful in providing support and guidance. They were able to give me support on both work and social sides to the job, such as using different software and showing me around the office. This enabled me to learn more about real estate. I was particularly lucky to be on the rotation scheme and spend a week in different departments, learning the varied tasks of each team within Savills.

Although my day to day routine varied, I was kept busy throughout the internship. Naturally some days were more busy than others, but I always had a good amount of work to keep me occupied. I was able to enjoy a mix of both site visits and desk work, showing the dynamic job of working in Real Estate.

During my placement I feel I was given quite a lot of responsibility because I was trusted to complete tasks that were important to the team. I carried out research to find comparables which were used in numerous appraisals and proposals. I was also given responsibility to meet a variety clients and accompany them around sites. This allowed me to network with other people in the business.

The skills I have developed and the training I have received throughout my placement will assist my in my degree studies and beyond to a great extent. This internship has enabled me to learn more about what processes are involved in deciding where to buy a site and the value of a site. The training I received allowed me to understand how to use the necessary software and websites in order to find accurate research.

Overall the general atmosphere in the office is very positive, with a happy vibe. Everyone is extremely friendly and kind, making it a great place to come to work. However, despite this sociable side to the job there is also a serious aspect to Savills. This was important in order to ensure work is completed to the highest possible standard.

The organisation of the overall work placement was set up quite well, but it was not seamless. This is partly due to my internship being rotation and some teams were more aware than others about my position in their team. Therefore, this created a few delays in providing me with work. However, overall once the work was organised and set I was kept occupied and taken care of.

In terms of personal training and development I think Savills have invested a lot in me. This was apparent through setting up meeting drinks evening during the first week to socialise with a variety of people throughout the office. There were also events such as lunches with the directors that showed the firm invest in me. These events helped my personal training and development because they allowed me the opportunity to network with a variety of people and increase my confidence and connections in the real estate world

I have really enjoyed my time here at Savills. As a result I find the future employment prospects within the organisation very appealing. I will be applying for the graduate scheme at Savills in September and hope to continue employment with this company in the future.

Personally I have found there to be a very good social scene amongst fellow placement students and colleagues. We all took part on a walking tour site visit which allowed other intern students and colleagues to have a chance to talk to each other and also learn at the same time. The social scene also extended to social drinks after work, and lunches which again allowed us to connect on a more friendly level.

I have found the cost of living and socialising in Birmingham relatively easy to juggle. This is because I am fortunate enough to live very locally to the office as my commute is only a 15 minute train journey away from my home. Living at home allows me to save money on accommodation and food, therefore enables me to be lucky to enjoy socialising activities.

The night life in the area is good with a high proportion of a young working population in the area.

There were many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work, such as sporting events, BBQs and drinks.