Summer Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my work placement with Savills this summer. The programme was well structured and the schedule was circulated before the beginning of the internship, which I found useful. There were around 3/4 meetings/activities/talks arranged per week which brought the interns back together after going into various teams.

I felt valued by my colleagues. I was given responsibility and on-going tasks that I was able to manage myself, rather than every day asking for work to do. I enjoyed this as it gave me more autonomy over my work.

Everyone was very happy to help and provide support for tasks, particularly the graduate on the team. When given tasks, the team would explain the background behind the work. I liked this because it gave context to the work I was doing and I could understand what impact I was having on the business.

I was very busy, particularly to the end of the 4 weeks. The intern project was good because it gave you something to focus if other work became quiet.

I was given responsibility for a 1 particular project, which was great because it gave me a sense of ownership and when seeing the outcome of the work, very satisfying.

Spending 4 weeks submerged in the real estate industry will be invaluable to my degree studies. It has given me a focus to see exactly where my studies will be applied once graduated. I can see what skills I now need to go away and develop on my masters. In terms of beyond, the skills developed through interviews/presentation will be very valuable in my career.

The atmosphere was light, people mostly getting their head down to work.

The summer scheme was very well organised. The schedule was circulated prior to the start of the internship which was useful. It was useful to be able to see the whole 4 weeks schedule planned out (including any deadlines, expectations, tests etc.) Departmental talks were scheduled covered all aspects of the business, given from graduate to director level. Talks were arranged with current graduates so that interns could ask questions regarding the APC, life as a graduate and get an honest answer. The graduate training team/graduate recruitment team also gave talks which were insightful and useful. The city tours arranged were a great touch. Diane was lovely and it was great to meet her as she works with the graduates prior to sitting their APC. It would have been helpful to have more forewarning ahead of interviews as it left limited time to prepare.

It was clear a lot of time and resources had been invested into the summer scheme. In comparison to other real estate firms this summer, there was less personal training. However, the talks did provide development as it gave a good overview as to what could be developed once a graduate at the firm.

Future employment prospects within the organisation are very appealing. Having spent 4 weeks at Savills, it has confirmed my desire to have a long standing career at the firm, starting as a graduate and through to director level.

Social scene was good. The interns were keen to go for drinks after work and I went for drinks with my team on a number of occasions.

The cost of living in London is expensive – especially in W1. It is what it is.

The Nightlife is good. There are a number of “locals” that Savills employees tend to go to on a Thursday/Friday – Phoenix, The Langham and The Livery. Bonds (pub) and Loop (club) are also standard property locals.

Yes – there are sporting activities happening – such as netball, tag rugby and a running club.