Summer intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my work placement. The six weeks went so quickly, at no point was it a struggle or not enjoyable.

With Towers Watson's process of double checking work, any task you do, no matter how small is essential to the work process. Whether it's actually doing, or checking for another person, interns are just as valuable as new graduate starters, and are given the same difficulty of work.

My line manager was always on hand to answer any general queries I had, and my colleagues arround me were always generous with advice and feedback.

The level of work I was given was obviously dependant on the amount of work at appropriate level there was to do. The majority of work was client work, and I was never quiet for overly long periods of time. When this happened, colleagues went out of their way to find something valuable for me to do.

As mentioned above, and intern work done is a key part of the process. So while sending intern work straight to a client wouldn't ever happen, it was my responsibility to get work done to deadlines and to a high standard. Any lack of responsibility was purely down to the nature of the job, not the quality of the placement.

I learnt some valuable skills that are applicable to any work environment, as well as studying. For examples, time management, accuracy and a good general financial grounding

The office had the perfect balance between a good work environment, while being constantly friendly and welcoming. There are no hierarchial boundaries, and everyone socialises together.

Any relevant information was given well in advance, and questions were answered quickly. The intern induction days were well planned in advance.

To take a paid intern on for 6 weeks, and to give them the same work as a new graduate starter, the company clearly values these placements as a means of investing in students for the future.

As I have not yet completed my internship, I can not give a definitive answer. However, Towers Watson always give job offers to the majority of their summer interns, so I would say the job prospects are very hopeful.

Despite being the only intern in the office, I was never made to feel like the odd one out. There were frequent social outings, such as after work drinks and going out for lunch, managing the right balance between having the opportunity and never feeling like it was compulsory. With plenty of variation in the age and qualification level in the office, I always felt like a member of the team

As in any city, socialising in Edinburgh can be pricey, especially on a student budget. However work related socials were never expensive, and you can definitely find places that are not to extortionate.

Edinburg is well known has having an excellent nightlife, which still thrives when the unis are out.

There were several opportunities to join in activities outside of work, such as meals out, trips to the Fringe Festival and various other social outings