Summer Intern- Audit Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Grant Thornton. I learned lots, even more in hindsight, and met many genuinely lovely people, both my own age and above. I was made to feel part of the team from day 1 and was treated with respect by all my colleagues. I was respected and valued by my in-charges and managers and even partners went out of their way to express the value they place on interns. Despite the size, Grant Thornton is exceptionally personable and really does focus of its 'people'.

I could not have felt more valued by my colleagues. I entered Grant Thornton with little to no knowledge of audit, and I was treated like an integral team member from the start. My 'buddy', a graduate, was lovely from the start, and spoke so highly of me to people in the office as she saw me grow. I would be told by new in-charges throughout the internship, how highly my colleagues from prior tasks had spoken of me to people completely disassociated from me! People went out of their way to commend willingness, aptitude and progress. At an 'away job' where I had to stay away with a team, the partner on the audit told me how they 'tend to focus on those who leave us and forget the caliber of those who are choosing to join us', and the manager went out of his way to tell me what a risk it is to have an intern on their biggest client, but that he had heard they had been 'luckier than ever'. Such comments were above and beyond what colleagues were required to contribute to my assessment, and so many people went out of their way to make me feel valued and to acknowledge my contribution and hard work.

I think the initial introduction was lacking in accounting content. As a mathematician, who admitted limited knowledge of accounting throughout the interview process, I felt that some more initial guidance would have been beneficial, especially given the magnitude of my first assigned client, however the independent approach suited me well, and facilitated substantial learning. The team would take the time to explain anything to me, and emphasised, genuinely, how no question was stupid. Every person I came across at Grant Thornton (that's many!) was a great teacher. They were kind and patient and were genuinely delighted by my willingness to learn and want to learn more. As my responsibility increased, so did expectations, but the praise I received was great. People noticed independent learning and achievement and the willingness to ask for help, and I was even given CLEARR points (the internal acknowledgement system) for excellence.

90% of days were very busy. Once a client audit finished ahead of schedule and so the remainder of that week I was in the Euston office doing work as it came to my desk, but even then, if a manager saw your enthusiasm and dedication for a task, they would try and find another task for you which entailed some more responsibility/insight. Out at client sites, the in-charges regarded you as a valuable team member and would give you as much work as they comfortably could, always stretching you but never leaving you to struggle in silence.

I was placed in a team of 18 auditors, out at client site, auditing the company's then only FTSE 100 client on the first day of my internship. The team facilitated me to complete key sections of testing, and trusted me to learn as I went, interact with the client every day, help other team members as necessary, organise me own work load, and to report to the team leader just as any other team member would. The responsibility was slightly overwhelming at first but had I not been able to cope, I know that the team would have taken over. The responsibility I was given allowed me to be of help to my team, rather than a burden (as most interns feel they are!). The responsibility was less on other clients, but as soon as yo showed competence and enthusiasm, the in-charge would always go out of the way to further your tasks, understanding and responsibility.

I have taken an accounting module since leaving the internship, and have realised just how much I learned at Grant Thornton! The hands on approach of the internship has allowed me to link theory with accounting in practise, and the industry knowledge I gained whilst at Grant Thornton, regarding auditing and the various industries of the clients has genuinely improved my knowledge of business and the economy. The presentation skills I learned whilst at Bradenham have been invaluable. They have helped me in my course presentations (few and far between in my maths degree) and given me the confidence to join societies that involve speaking publicly. I never knew I had a talent for presenting before the people at Grant Thornton brought it out of me! My time at Grant Thornton improved my personal confidence and professional confidence immensely. I am very very grateful for my time here, and for teaching me that I have skills that I never knew were skills before my time here.

People worked hard, and concentrated, but it was universally acknowledge that one cannot hold concentration all day, and managers would encourage short breaks in order to maximise concentration. There is a focus on talking to colleagues, and not working in isolation.

I was not part of the general intern cohort so did not benefit from the same organisation as most of the others, however the four of us that joined earlier in summer were still guided well and treated like integral members of Grant Thornton from day one, and the independence allowed us to become good friends and to learn fast.

Lots! we were taken away to a house owned by Grant Thornton, Bradenham Manor, to learn presentation skills for our final assessment and I benefited immensely from this, both in skills and confidence. Social activities also helped to further your personal development and networking skills.

My manager went out of his way to tell me how well I would do in Grant Thornton, and the prospects available. The extent to which achievement and enthusiasm was acknowledged during my internship encourages me that progression and development would be a main focus for employment within Grant Thornton.

I made lasting friendships with some interns and some good working relations with colleagues, who I am looking forward to seeing again on commencing the graduate role.

Already a student in London, renting accommodation, this did not affect me.

It's London- if you can't find some nightlife here that you like, you aren't looking hard enough!