Intern Review

I have really enjoyed my time at Hays, with some great colleagues and a nice office environment. As Hays is a meritocracy, you really notice all the positive things happening within the organisation and it helps to the positive nature. I can look back on my placement at Hays with positive memories and I've had countless enjoyable experiences.

I did feel as though I got some recognition for the things I have achieved throughout the year, but of all aspects of my placement I feel as though this is the area I was least happy with. Although I have received regular feedback throughout, and it's rarely negative, I haven't always felt overly valued.

The support you receive at Hays is excellent. Not only do they provide all the relevant training, but they regularly give support and guidance where required. They are quick to recognise where staff may need extra support and they are equally as quick to implement the required help.

Recruitment is naturally a fast paced environment and so its inevitable that you are kept busy, but very rarely did I feel I was too busy. With the desk I have run throughout my placement, I've found there are peaks in client requirements and I have been incredibly busy as a result, but thanks to the support Hays have provided I haven't found myself in a position where I have struggled to manage the work load.

I have been running my own desk at Hays and I have been responsible for keeping the desk in good order as well as having targets to meet. The responsibility within this placement is what drew me to Hays originally and I haven't been disappointed. It's been a great opportunity to develop myself as well as business for Hays.

The skills and competencies I've developed at Hays have been incredibly helpful and will stay with me for a very long time. Not only will the skills I've gained be very useful in a working environment, but I feel as though the combination of both work experiences and academic underpinning from my first couple of years at University will really help me to excel and progress in my final year of studies.

I think the office environment and team atmosphere has really helped me when I have struggled and it has generally made days on my placement far more enjoyable. Although everyone is a hard working professional, there is a really good balance of productivity and enjoyment.

My first 4 weeks within my placement was a handover period, and as a result it meant I was somewhat comfortable running the desk as soon as the previous placement student had left. I also had the support from management and relevant training which meant the handover from the previous placement student to myself was quite a smooth one.

Hays have been incredible in regards to my training and development. They have set me up on several different training programmes, and they have even sent me on trips to ensure I'm receiving the best possible training. For example we had an intern training program based in the Birmingham office which included interns from all over the country.

Within Hays there is a clear promotion path and opportunity for growth. I also enjoy the staff at Hays and the environment, so the employment prospects are certainly appealing.

I am only one of two placement students within the region, but there is a great relationship amongst colleagues and so we really enjoy going for team nights. In general the office is full of fun/social people.

I was undertaking a placement in my home city, so the cost of living for me was minimal as I was living back at home for the year. With the office being located in the city centre, socialising and general essentials were not as cheap as they could be, but with Sheffield not being an expensive place generally, I have found my costs throughout the year being very low.

As previously mentioned, the office is based in the city centre. This meant the nightlife in the area is as good as it gets in Sheffield.

During my placement year I have had the chance to participate in a football tournament and even play football at the Manchester City training complex. Other than this the opportunities to get involved have been minimal.