Intern - Technology Risk Services Review

Grant Thornton was a fantastic company to work for. I worked on a variety of projects all across the country. Even though I was based in London I spent 3 days in Derby and 3 days in Edinburgh. I was given responsibility on projects and feel that I was really valued during my time there.

My colleagues were fantastic. They all included me from the beginning and I went out for drinks/meals with them several times during the 6 weeks I worked there. It was very easy to slot in and I feel I made some real friends - not just professional colleagues.

My supervisor, although based in Leeds, was always only a phone call away and would give me advice and/or work whenever it was needed. We had structured meetings and progress updates throughout my internship, which allowed me to define and measure my personal growth over the 6 weeks.

Generally, I was given enough work to do. However, towards the end of the Internship, work dried up a little bit as people could not commit long-term work to me. The fact that GT's financial year had ended the day I started also meant that work was not at it's busiest, which probably distorted the amount of work I had.

I was given plenty of responsibility during my time at Grant Thornton. I interviewed clients (under supervision) whilst off-site, and worked independently on many projects.

I developed my analytical, interpersonal and presentation skills, all of which are thoroughly useful for my degree and future work. We had an intense 2 day presentation workshop where I gained some really useful tips and tricks from professional coaches about my presentations. Fantastic!

The particular team I worked in was rarely all in the office, so it could be empty some days, however, I made friends and talked with other people who were in the office and generally had a great time there.

The internship was very well structured from start to finish, with planned work, targets and meetings all set from day one. The organisation between my team and GT's recruitment was also very good and consistent.

Much was invested in our personal development. An initial induction day laid out all the basics. We had a 2 day workshop on presentations which was very, very fun and helpful. We also had a sustainability challenge - raising money for charity, which GT allowed us to undertake whilst in office that allowed all interns to work together for a good cause.

GT has a fantastic culture, and I would be happy to work there once I graduate. Progression is also well defined and as the company is growing, it didn't seem that promotions were a case of filling "dead man's shoes".

I met with other interns several times across my internship, where we had a few subsidised drinks that were throughly enjoyable. interaction was encouraged, but not forced, allowing people to make good, solid, natural friendships.

I was based near Bank, so living costs were high. However, the salary allowed for this to be covered.

It's London, it's great - a city of many possibilities

GT has a social section on it's website where people can get involved in many different things. I played regularly for GT's 5-a-side team after work in the week, allowing me to keep fit and meet more people.