Summer Intern Review

The Summer Vacation Scheme gave me significant insights into what you do in the Tax Business on a daily basis. I joined client meetings and lots of skill building webinars for the whole intern cohort. In terms of tasks, I would sensecheck documents, to tax-related research on recent OECD regulations, and also prepare for a big intern group presentation which was part of our final assessment. I also had regular progress meetings with my manager.

I have learnt a lot about professional communication, how to make the best of being an intern, and networking. I think Deloitte really gave me the opportunity to brush up my soft skills with several webinars organised just for us interns. I also learnt how to translate technical tax knowledge into understandable language for clients - a really valuable skill for any future job. Lastly, I learnt how to properly network with people and was always encouraged to ask for coffee chats whenever I wanted.

I was not necessarily given much responsibility, which is completely normal as I did not have the technical knowledge (and couldn't acquire it during six weeks) needed in order to take charge of projects, or even parts of projects. That being said, I was still entrusted with the task of researching OECD tax implications and their impact on the client, which was also used in the deliverable later on. Therefore, I would say that I was given as much responsibility as feasible.

I received lots of support throughout the internship, which I really valued. We had numerous webinars on both the technical aspect of the job, as well as on soft skills which are needed to succeed at Deloitte and more generally in your career. I also received personalised support: I had a 'buddy' who regularly checked up on me, as well as a people leader who I did goalsetting with. My colleagues also made sure to always give me feedback on the work I did.

It was brilliant: I felt really welcome in the office every day and colleagues made sure to get to know me and check up on me. It felt like Deloitte really wanted me to grow and learn, and that showed not only in what they offered us, but also in the atmosphere. The internship gave me the impression that Deloitte is a firm where you have to be team-oriented and kind to succeed, and that culture is very contagious.

At first, I didn't think I would particularly enjoy the internship, mainly because it was in tax advisory. However, Deloitte made me feel incredibly valued and not like I was 'just an intern', and colleagues were lovely. They always made sure to answer my questions and allowed me to learn (and eventually, tax is more interesting than I thought) and we also went on lots of socials that made me feel included as a team member.

Yes

I would tell them to be themselves and do not be discouraged when you apply with a non-finance or econ background. I feel that Deloitte really values a growth mindset and transferable skills, and they consider people from any background as they will teach you what you need to know in the job. Also, be personable during the interview stages and do your research about the company in advance - possibly even about the office if it is not in London (be prepared to explain why you would rather be in a small office than the big London one!)