Cost Consultant Review

The overall experience of the placement made me feel like an integral member of the commercial team. Though the start was a bit slowed and at times unorganised, the work quickly picked up and by the end of the placement, I had control over particular aspect of certain projects. The learning sessions were well done and the socials were a lot of fun.

Colleagues were incredibly open and generous when it came to asking for advice on work or education. Though at times the work they give you can feel mundane and well below your ability, its part of the job which should be carried out in order to gain their respect.

My line manager from Day 1 helped me set quarterly and annual goals with regards to what I wanted to gain out of my experience. This ranged from on site experience to greater management and steps towards professional qualifications. These were assessed every 3 months and either checked off or updated once complete.

By the end of the placement, I was kept busy for the whole working day and at times did some overtime. However, the first 2 months were very slow and at time I felt like I was spending more time looking at the clock then pushing for work, which at times was not readily available.

At the start, very little responsibility due to the stage of the project or grade of work level you were working at. However, once you meet more members of the team and they feel comfortable interacting with you over work and queries, the responsibility picked up and by the end, I was carrying out my own valuation for the projects I was on.

The experience I gained definitely helped me with my degree, not just with my understanding of some of the modules, but also with regards to research for dissertations, I had plenty of contacts I could rely on. It gave me a better insight as to how the industry works as well and how it differs from what they teach you at university.

Office provided hotdesking system, though after a while, you quickly realised people had their own preferred spaces and they would be taken if available. Most people in my team talked to one another every couple of hours and I met up with graduates from other floors for lunch and in the evening. There was a huge lack of girls though, so it was a very laddish culture

Before I started the placement, it wasn't great, as I only received my joining details the Friday before I was starting on the Monday and not a lot was set up when I arrived. However, my line manager was incredibly well organised when I came to providing me with the best experience and the work I could pick up in the sector. This experience varies though depending on the effort your line manager puts in.

The company pushed for me to start my Accredited Professional Certifications in order to become chartered. The training was very good, with learning sessions once every 2 weeks and a mentor system who could test you and tell you where you were going wrong with your modules. The test itself is paid for and the pass rate is 75% first time.

The company is pushing for the majority of placements/graduates to stay with them once they have completed their contract and dedicated work will allow you to move up the ranks very quickly. There are a lot of opportunities to go aboard as well I you push for them during your time.

The placement students varied. Though their tended to be a good vibe between all of them, some of them incredibly immature and didn't take their work as seriously as other interns. For the most part though, they all interacted with one another and events were held for placement students to get to know one another

Working in London isn't cheap; living in London is even worse. Though I didn't live in London, travel costed me a 1/5 of my salary, with lunches costing £3-£10 and evening drinks costing even more. Though we have a free bar every Wednesday and Thursday, it can't be utilised for long and you will be spending a lot if you decide to go out.

Kings Cross isn't know for its nightlife. Though there are some good bars,pubs and the odd club, its better to head onto Camden or Soho if you want a young nightlife scene

Some charity work and events were offered, as well as social days, though these didn't happen often and very few people signed up to them.