Summer Scheme Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my summer scheme with Savills. The team were very welcoming and helped with any queries that I had throughout; and the work I was given was challenging. This ensured that I learned as much as possible during my short time here. I would definitely recommend anyone thinking about applying to the scheme to do so.

I did feel valued during my time at Savills. Feedback comments from tasks that I carried out for various members of the team were generally really positive, which hugely helped my confidence. As the summer scheme progressed, tasks given to me became more advanced which showed the team's faith in my ability. Furthermore, I was invited to out-of-office events which made me feel even more welcomed.

The team I worked with regularly encouraged me to ask questions if I had any queries and therefore I felt that I had strong guidance when I required it. When I did ask questions, answers were always really clear and helpful. Designated tasks always made sense to me thanks to the support offered by the team.

I thoroughly believe that the skills and knowledge that I have acquired through my summer scheme placement will assist me no-end in my post-graduate study. It provides me with a foundation that I can develop off whilst on my Masters, and means that I can begin the course equipped with a valuable insight into the region of study.

The summer scheme was well structured. My calendar was regularly updated and I always knew where I was supposed to be and when. Day-to-day tasks varied given the nature of the job, therefore structure in terms of individual tasks is difficult to comment on. However, the fact that the job is different every day made it exciting.

The atmosphere was thoroughly enjoyable during my summer scheme at Savills. The team were extremely friendly and conversation flowed really well. During office hours I felt that I worked well and hard with the tea, as they are dedicated group, despite their ability to enjoy each other's company as well.

I was invited to several 'go-to training' lectures. These gave a great insight into various departments in the company as well as showing me the examination and application processes into various pathways. Furthermore, Savills took me on two site visits during my two weeks; which enhanced my personal development as it allowed me to fully experience a hands-on approach to the job.

As the work I was being designated with was always part of a larger project that the team were conducting, I truly felt that I was contributing towards the company's output. This meant that I worked closely with various members of the team who were heading these projects and therefore allowed me to understand their jobs. This gave me an insight into what a full-time role with Savills would be like.

The summer scheme fully integrated me into Savills' culture, whether it be by exposing me to a variety of different departments in the company or taking me to out-of-work events. I felt that the atmosphere created by my colleagues fully exposed me to the company culture, and I really enjoyed working for Savills.

As previously mentioned, every task that I was involved in formed part of a wider project for the team. This therefore was extremely valuable in helping me understand what the Planning Department do at Savills not only on a day-to-day basis but also over a longer time scale. As it was a fully integrated experience, it has shown me what it would be like to work in the planning area of the industry in the future if I choose to pursue that career.

Personally, the experience was not about getting paid; I did not apply to the summer scheme with earning money on the forefront of my mind. I wanted to gain a valuable insight into the industry and the summer scheme provided exactly that. Having said that, getting paid was a welcomed bonus and I believe that is was adequate for the job that I did.

Yes - the office is extremely sociable so I did meet plenty of other employees outside my team. Furthermore, I visited the Guildford office for a day (despite normally working in Sevenoaks), which allowed me to meet employees from an entirely different office. This was really useful as I had spoken to a number of people in the Guildford office over the phone and over email so it was fantastic to meet them in person.

The week before my placement started I was invited to an after work graduate drinks event, which really helped me on my first day as I already had met a few faces in the office. During my second week, I attended a drinks reception after a large client lunch and met even more people which was great.

I did find out about out-of-work activities. I have been told about a Graduate rugby 7's tournament that occurs in the late spring/early summer. Additionally, I have been involved in conversations regarding around inter-office cricket and football matches. Another example of an out-of-work activity that employees get involved in is the horse racing.

Absolutely. If I know someone that is keen to get involved in the property industry I would definitely recommend it to them. It gave me an extremely well-rounded insight into the company culture, the day-to-day workings of a Global company in the property industry and most importantly, I learnt a huge amount.