Auditor Review

I really enjoyed the internship and could see myself doing it as a full time job if given the opportunity. Each day was different and I was allowed to try lots of things. I spent most of the time out of the office with clients, which was great because it gave a real insight into what the job would be like full time.

Everyone was very helpful and approachable and they made sure I understood what I was doing, and explaining the terminology, without being patronising. Even the setting of the office, with everybody mixed in together regardless of position in the company, made for a friendly and welcoming environment.

My line manager was in touch before the start of the internship and has been quick at responding throughout. The company messenger software (Lync) meant that I was able to ask questions quickly without disturbing people from their work. This made me more comfortable about asking questions and also made it easier for people to respond. At the start of the internship me and my line manager agreed on some goals for me to complete, and these have been monitored throughout to ensure I get what I want out of my internship.

I knew right from the first day what I would be doing and when for the whole six weeks. I had a few days spare for which I was supposed to use for preparing for a final presentation, but was then able to fill them with extra days with clients if I wished. All on all I had a perfect balance; plenty of work to do all day, but hardly doing any at home.

It was left up to us as interns to decide how much responsibility we wanted. For example, I chose to run an activity one lunch time and so had complete responsibility on that, aside from occasionally asking about things such as room bookings from my line manager. Whilst with clients I was also given jobs which required responsibility, and was allowed to interact with the clients and ask for things for the job as necessary. I felt trusted but supported throughout.

This internship was definitely the best thing I could've done in terms of employability skills. It's taught me how to really manage time when you're working a 8.5 hour day, how to interact confidently with people inside and outside the company when working, and even some skills on the computer (such as excel). I'm hoping to come back next year as a graduate and so the skills I have already learnt should hopefully give me a solid grounding.

The office had a warm feel to it. Everybody was approachable and willing to help, even when I came in knowing next to nothing about doing the job. I wouldn't give it 10/10 because hard work and concentration was needed, and I felt it was important for me to listen carefully to demonstrate what I was learning. But it was definitely enjoyable!

I knew straight from the first day what I was doing and when as it was all put in a calendar online. I was told who I would be working with on each job and so I was allowed to contact them when I felt appropriate and ask what I would be doing. It was extremely well organised and I knew who to contact if I had any problems.

They invested lots. All the interns were even given two days at their specialist training centre in High Wycombe- Bradenham manor, where we completed a workshop, and had all accommodation and food included. The first day of the internship all of the interns were booked into hotels in London, where we networked with each other and met the new CEO of Grant Thornton. It was a great experience! When out with clients I was entrusted to discuss with them about their company, ask if anything was needed, and complete work which all went towards their final financial statements. I was even given three days in a different department in the office to help give me further grounding in a different area, and was also given the option of applying for that role if I wished.

I would love to come back as a graduate next year. Progression within the company is clear and it shows how hardworking the people that work there really are. Grant Thornton is a really friendly company and has so many benefits over similar organisations like the Big Four. The culture they have created show's that they really care about their employees and clients, it's not just about making profits.

There was only one other intern in my office, but although we were usually on different jobs we kept in close contact throughout and even organised parts of our projects together. I also kept in contact with lots of the interns from other offices. We all met on the first day in London and then three weeks later at the training centre. It was easy to keep in touch with them on jam (Grant Thornton's employee website) and for quick messages on Lync (messaging software). If there had been more interns in my office I'm sure we would have been able to do much more social wise.

Because I'm not local I was travelling about 70 miles each way a day to get to my internship. Although this was expensive, the city itself was very cheap. Most people wouldn't have to pay as much as myself if they did the internship. Travel further than your usual route to the office is always reimbursed at a generous rate, and I was taken for a number of lunch meals by managers and my 'buddy' for which the company paid for.

Because I was staying so far away I didn't actually explore the nightlife, but I think Leicester was just like a typical city in that respect.

Yes there were loads! Things were organised within the office (such as charity events taking place in work time) and we were allowed to organise our own fundraising events on behalf of the company. There was also the annual inter-office football tournament which we were invited to sign up to with other employees.