Summer Intern - Audit Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship, I spent time in two different offices, I worked in several different departments and I attended several social events. I was made to feel very welcome and that my work was really appreciated. A highlight was spending two days at Bradenham Manor with all the other interns learning how to do presentations.

I felt really valued by my colleagues and that my work actually made a difference to the company and their clients. All my colleagues were really friendly and were happy to give me feedback on the work I had done. My colleagues took the time to answer any questions I had and helped me with anything I couldn't do.

I met my line manager on my first day in the office and we set objectives together which I felt were achievable. If I had any questions my line manager would respond quickly and she always made sure I knew what I was supposed to be doing.

I didn't have any time where I had nothing to do and everytime I finished a task I was given another one. I didn't feel pressured to complete a certain number of tasks in a certain length of tine and the things I had to do were very varied and interesting.

I was responsible for my own work and making sure it was of the highest quality standard but it was always checked by someone else. When visiting clients I went to speak to the client on my own a couple of times but I felt I was given an appropraite amount of responsibility.

I think the presentation course I completed has given me fantastic skills which will really help me with any presentation in any situation. I also learnt skills in networking and building rapport with people. I also learnt the basics of how to use several pieces of accountancy software which will be useful for a graduate role.

The general atmosphere was focused and reasonably quiet but everyone was very friendly and seemed happy. Everyone was very supportive of each other and comments about colleagues always seemed positive. The office has an open plan layout and members of the audit team don't have a set desk so most days I was sat with different people. Everytime it was anyone's birthday they would bring in cakes for the whole office.

Before I arrived for my placement I was e-mailed by my buddy who I could ask questions to before I started. I was also kept updated by the graduate recruitment team with phone calls and e-mails in preparation for my first day. On my first day I was given a booklet, a calendar and I could also see who I would be working with for the whole of the 6 weeks.

I felt the company really invested in me by allowing colleagues to spend time explaining things to me. The course at Bradenham was great for my personal training. All colleagues were happy to give me feedback. I also did some e-learning and a workshop online. I also had the chance to work with managers and partners which gave me an insight into the job at all levels.

If I am offered a graduate role I would love to work for Grant Thornton. The organisation seems really strong and they are recruiting more graduates. From the beginning of my internship it was made clear that I wasn't in competition with the other interns to get a job.

There was only 1 other intern in my office but we were invited to a BBQ, a football tournament, a tapas night and other social events that were available to the whole office. When we stayed at Bradenham they organised a pub quiz for all the interns and there was also a bar where we could socialise.

The cost of living and socialising was reasonable. Sheffield has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and bars. Public transport is reasonably cheap and Sheffield has good rail links to lots of other places.

Sheffield has lots of bars and clubs due to the 2 universities although I didn't particularly experience the nightlife as I commuted from home during my internship.

The social committee ran many events in the short time that I was there such as a race night, alton towers trip, tapas night and pizza and beer night so there are lots of opportunitites. Grant Thornton also runs corporate events such as "It's a knockout" and a football tournament. In addition to this, there were also several events held for charity including a car boot and a bake sale.