Summer Vacation Scheme Intern - Tax Review

It was a fantastic one of a kind experience. Living in London and working in a Big Four company gave me a real insight into what the future could hold for me.

I felt extremely valued and was not at all made to feel like a temporary part of the firm. I was given all the privileges (ie. laptop, desk, pass, etc) as a full-time employee and the same responsibility as a graduate would. I was also invited to all department events, not just Summer Vacation student events which gave me a fantastic opportunity to network with other colleagues at different levels of the department

Each task came with some guidance depending on who was setting it. I found that sometimes I wasn't sure who to ask for additional advice/guidance - whether to go back to the person who set it or whether to ask my buddy or manager.

The skills of maintaining professionalism and the first hand experience of working in a large client-based business will assist me more in further job applications rather than in my degree.

The first day had a great structure (induction) but after that the department I was put in didn't have much structure. It was only 3 weeks, however I didn't have a particular structure to my time which was good because it allowed me to get involved with whatever was going on but it would have also been nice to know that specific things had been planned for me.

From 9.00-5.30 even though I was in a professional environment, it was extremely positive. Everyone was very helpful and kind and friendly - introducing themselves to me if we hadn't met, asking me what kind of work I would be interested in. Everyone seemed to genuinely want to be at work and that was a very motivating environment. I was also great to see colleagues and interns out of office hours at social events.

As it was a short internship there wasn't much training apart from IT training, but I can see the training opportunities that the company offers in the future if I were to convert the internship to a graduate job.

I genuinely felt as though I was already a part of the company during the internship and observing the responsibilities that my colleagues at different levels of their career had gave me a fantastic insight of the responsibilities I could have in the future.

Being in the company really gives an insight of the company culture - all the people reflect the culture.

Being in the Tax department was much more interesting than I ever imagined and it made me realise that you cannot really understand what your future career might hold until you experience a taste of it.

The salary is pro-rata and just under that of a graduate which is fantastic but would not have been able to cover my complete living expenses had I not stayed with a friend - help finding reasonable accommodation for such a short time (3 weeks) should be given.

Not as many as I would have liked but there were ample opportunities for networking within my department. I would have liked a Shadow a Partner day which other interns get but I did not.

Very good - always at different places near the office and some were only interns while others were organised by the department and others organised by my buddy/close collages (much more personal). They were always paid for which was very nice as well !

Heard about a few events and opportunities through colleagues in my department.

Definitely! The experience is invaluable!