Tax intern Review

Everyone tried to find interesting work for me to do, and tried to expose me to all the different aspects within the tax deparment. Sometimes that only jobs avaiable were a bit tedious and on occation I did have to ask around to find something to do, but on the whole I was given varied and insightful work that I enjoyed.

My colleagues were always ready to help me, even if they were busy. I was usually given work that was valuable to the company, and on the occations where there was little work avaiable for me to do I was set a task that would help develop my skills and knowledge. I was often invited out on social events outside the office and was welcomed to join people at lunch at the canteen. In general I have found the office just as friendly if not more so than uni.

As many members of staff had holiday leave during my placement (including the person in charge of the placement), I sometimes struggled to find out placement related information. For example the time of my partner interview or how I should be filing in my timesheet. I was rotating through different departments of tax and had a different "buddy" each week. Most of buddy's were fantastic and gave me lots of support and guidance, or if they were very busy would tell me who I could ask for help.

It was usually a good balance that meant I could do 9-5 days without needing to do overtime or being bored. However sometimes I did run out of work a bit early and would have to ask around to find more work. This happened more often at the start of my internship, by the the last few weeks this wasn't really a problem.

There was always someone reviewing my work, so there was a safety net if I made a mistake. However I was still doing valuable work.

I think that this has improved my confidence and abilty to interact with people in an office environment. I have also learnt about tax legistlation and how to engage with clients.

People did work hard, but there was always a good work life balance and people readily joked and had fun. Most people enjoyed their work and spread their enthusiam, so even when working the atmosphere was good.

I felt that a lot of my activities were organised as the placement was taking place. However this does make sense as it was difficult to know in advance what meetings, site vists etc. are taking place. There did seem to be a discrepancy between events recruitment organise and work my "buddy's" had organised and communication between the two was not always clear.

For the first three days of the placement I was given training at the Tax Business School, and many of my colleagues took a lot of time to explain things to me.

I don't know how well my final interview went, however I know that most of the people I have worked with are happy with my work. If I do pass the interview I will get a job.

I went out with the office a decent amount e.g. going out for meals, going to a gig of a co-worker, going to a wine bar, playing hockey.

Birmingham doesn't seem to expensive. Pretty average.

I enjoyed going out to pub/bars/gigs in the evening, but personally I am not a big fan of "nightlife" and tended to be home by 11:30. So...... I don't think I can judge.

I got invoved the with KPMG hockey team and was invited to join people for games of tenis and squash.