Tax Intern Review

I have really enjoyed my internship, it's the best work experience I have had so far. My internship involved seeing the different departments of my line of service, so it was a lot of meeting new people and learning about completely different concepts each week. It was great to get an idea of what it would be like to work with the company full-time.

In general, the teams I was a part of were very welcoming: they included me in their conversations, i me, invited me to sit in on client calls and even meetings. We were also invited to some office social events, which made us feel like part of the permanent team.

We were assigned buddies, who are associates and therefore usually only a few years older, who were friendly faces we could approach with lower level questions about how the office works. We also had a career coach, who we met up with several times to talk more about the internship and what would happen after regarding job offers.

It depended on the week. In some departments, it was very busy and in others, it was a quieter week. This is not to say that some departments are always busy and others are not! Often, people being away on holiday affected what meetings were being held and what work was being done.

I was given as much responsibility as can be expected of an intern. To be honest, I found this reassuring because pre-internship I was terrified about making mistakes, however it is important to remember that your work will be checked as it moves up the chain. We were able to help on real client work, which was exciting and made you feel like you were making a difference.

During the internship, I was often given the opportunity to develop my researching skills, which will be useful next year as I write my dissertation and when I enter the world of work properly. I have also developed a better understanding of the world of tax through exposure to the tasks I have done and the conversations around me.

My colleagues had a great sense of humour and were very kind to the interns. Many of the Senior people in the firm have been there for a long time, which definitely suggests job satisfaction. In general, however, it seems a very youthful company, with lots of hope and dynamism!

The general organisation was very good. Pre-internship, you will be enrolled onto various online portals and receive information about the residential induction. Logistics information was less clear (however it should be noted that my case was a little more complex as I was studying abroad and my work office is not in my home town).

The company has a clear strategy for looking after its interns: assigning us buddies and career coaches, ensuring we were properly introduced to the firm through a 3-day residential induction. The residential induction was great, allowing you to meet the interns in the offices across the country and realising that you're not the only one who is nervous! The communication from Head Office is very thorough.

The future employment prospects are very appealing and, if given an offer, I will definitely be accepting it! Their graduate scheme seems an excellent way to gain your qualifications while working and the current Associates seem happy in their jobs!

Myself and the other interns bonded at the residential induction and we maintained a close link, meeting up most Friday nights to catch up and have fun together. Myself and the other two interns in my department had lunch together in the company canteen every day as well.

The cost of living was pretty standard, if not better than my home town. I lived with a mutual friend in a small house not far from the office. Transport was very affordable - I got a monthly train ticket which allowed me to make significant savings. Food costs were fairly similar too.

I don't go clubbing, but there are lots of great places to relax in the area: pubs playing traditional music, restaurants of all descriptions, cinemas, bars to meet with friends.

I think the work-life balance with the company is good. I was able to join a church, go to the gym and do touristy activities in my spare time, without feeling exhausted! I even went on a city break to Dublin one weekend. There's lots of activities going on in the city to get involved in, and even company groups.