Summer Scheme Student Review

My internship at Savills has been by far my most enjoyable and valuable placement. I have gained an insight into the business and wish to continue my career here at Savills in some shape or form.

My colleagues made me feel valued and an important part of the team. I was included in all aspects of the business including site visits, creating documents for clients, liaising with contractors and attending meetings. I was also invited to several social events outside the office environment. Most importantly I was trusted and given independence to get the experience I wanted.

My whole team, from my mentor to my director, provided me with guidance and support throughout. This included the flexibility to allow me to pursue other avenues within the organisation and meet with other teams in other offices.

Despite being informed that my month had been a relatively quiet one in terms of business, I still had loads of work to do. Such work was varied, interesting and engaging. When the day would begin to wind down at 4pm, I would then complete some individual work such as my summer goals.

During my placement I was trusted to work independently. My team would usually give me work to complete that would take a couple of days. Additionally I was also trusted to travel to various client meetings and sites independently.

Having studied BA Geography at university, I learnt a complete new skill set and bank of terminology whilst on my placement. Although Geography and Building Surveying may have different terms, the basic underpinnings are similar and I was able to draw upon my UG degree whilst on placement

The office environment was friendly and my colleagues were approachable.

Unlike other internships I have done with other companies, everything was well organised. My computer worked from day one and I was paid on time. Moreover meetings with the HR team were well advertised and organised and I was aware of where I had to be and for what time.

The most notable personal training I received was being able to use AutoCAD. This was key for me and one of the main things I wanted to get out of my placement! Once I got the basics, I was then assigned tasks using AutoCAD.

I hope to continue to work for Savills within Residential Research. Thanks to the summer scheme I was able to arrange meetings with Lucian Cook, Sophie Chick and Susan Emmett.

On my first day Savills arranged for all the placement students to have lunch in town together. This was excellent as it allowed me to make some great new friends. We then had lunch weekly whilst on placement. The social scene amongst my colleagues was identical - I went to lunch with them on several occasions, to a cricket match and for a few post-work drinks.

Having studied in Southampton for three years I was fortunate enough and knew my way around the city. There was plenty to do and I visited clubs and bars that I hadn't visited as a student. Socialising as a professional has shown me a completely different side of Southampton.

I was invited to watch a Hampshire cricket match on my first week. A second opportunity would have been great!