Industrial Placement Associate - Tax Depreciation Review

There have been enjoyable moments, during courses, training and work socials. However the majority of the actual 'work' time has not been enjoyable. The atmosphere within my team is not positive, and does not encourage communication or learning. Even from an early stage, which, in my case has severely hindered development.

This may be localised to only my team, as my discussions with other graduates/interns show that they feel more valued than I do within their respective teams. However those of us in my team do not feel our contributions are valued, and the work we are trusted with does not seem to inspire gratitude or appreciation. From the reactions of senior staff members I do not get the impression they consider our input important.

When the support is there, it is excellent, however it is inconsistent. Technical training is not monitored, and therefore does not happen as often as it should, and it is not structured. However the colleagues on my team are clearly intelligent and specialist, so when I do have issues, and they do bother to instruct, their assistance/tutoring is very very helpful.

The department I am in is under staffed. We are a top heavy team, which means that partners and senior managers are winning work well, but there are not enough assistant managers and associates (thats my level) to cope with the work. In itself this would not be a problem, but we are not managed effectively and there were occasions where I would be working very late, whilst the other associates would leave on time, or vice versa. Ultimately I was expecting long hours as part of the role, and I am (and continue to be) prepared to put in such hours, however there is little/no recognition of this effort by other members of the team, which, again, reduces motivation to work such hours.

I was given a fair amount of responsibility. I took part in a wide range of tasks, some were clerical such as filing and printing/copying, others more technical. Some of my input, in the grand scheme of things, was important in terms of the deliverables to client, so I did have some responsibility there. And on other tasks, such as billing and time analyses (hours on the clock for a client project etc) I did feel as if was responsible for the deliverable to my manager, and that I had performed an important task.

Very few of the technical skills, as I have no intention to continue a career in Tax Accounting. The placement has been incredibly useful for learning about relationships and office ettiquette, in addition to time management and 'managing your managers'. I fully intend to take the diligent and hard working 9-5 (?!) routine into final year.

It was a mix; the office is lovely. Its in a great part of Birmingham, and the broader department is nice. However my specific team was not great - as mentioned earlier, the atmosphere was negative and did not encourage teamwork or communication particularly from lower members of the team to senior members.

Deloitte are, at the end of the day, a big four firm, and a 'good' company. They have been doing industrial placements for years, I'm sure, and as such they have good processes in place. It was well organised and well managed. This was primarily out of London, but also the Grad Rec team here in Birmingham was brilliant.

They sent me on courses along with the other graduates which was good, excellent in fact. However the actual office training was poor. I was meant to have technical training every week, however this was not the case, and was inconsistent. Additionally, the training was not structured when it did take place, and the appraisal process generally, is, in my opinion, a joke. There is very little openness regarding how or why we are given ratings we are, and little communication between senior and junior members on the appraisal process. However this is a focus for the office and the team I sit in, and so should improve with time.

I was unsure on beginning my placement if I wanted to work at the firm, and my experiences this year have made it clear I do not. If I were to apply back I would do so to a different team and in a different office. However I will not be applying back.

This was by far and away the best thing about my placement. Absolutely incredible peer group. We all socialise, eat lunch together every day and overall enjoy spending time with each other. Weekly drinks, meeting up and developing good friendships, definite +++ of the job!

Not bad. The salary is good, so whilst still being a student, I could enjoy some luxuries.

Good nightlife, lots of bars and restaurants nearby, and the office is near Broad street. Also a short taxi ride away from other clubs which are less 'studenty'.

There were a fair few. I was lucky as I sat near a guy who organised a lot of stuff, so I was able to get involved in lots. Had I not sat near him, I fear I would not have known about the opportunities available. But I cannot be sure. Regardless, I am aware of lots of different things, and I have taken part in some.