Sandwich Placement Student Review
at Savills
Placement (10 Months+)
Surveying
London
Review Submitted: July 2024
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
My work has primarily focused on addressing tenant inquiries, overseeing the work of property managers, reviewing and assembling sublet licenses, examining leases, supporting license-to-alter queries, liaising with facilities & building managers, and handling all the day-to-day tasks associated with managing a property portfolio. Essentially, the duties of an assistant property manager. These experiences have provided me with a wealth of knowledge, thoroughly preparing me for the next few years as a graduate
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
Yes, I felt I had a significant amount of responsibility during my placement. I was the main point of contact for all licenses, lease, and tenant queries. For more complicated enquiries, such as license-to-alter requests, contracting works, or budgets with accounts, I would propose my ideas and discuss them with the property managers. This level of responsibility was ideal, as I felt adequately challenged yet well-supported. I never felt that I was not able to take on something new and gained valuable experience thanks to the team's guidance.
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
Leadership and Collaboration: Working across different portfolios with diverse teams has underscored the importance of effective communication and collaboration. I learned to take the lead and make decisions independently, especially in situations where property managers were unavailable for guidance.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Property management often presents challenges that require quick thinking and adaptability. These experiences have honed my problem-solving abilities and my capacity to adapt to various situations.
Client Interaction: Engaging with clients has been an invaluable part of my experience. Prior to joining Savills, I had no client contact. Now, I confidently interact with clients and participate in boardroom meetings. I understand the preparations required for such meetings, including taking minutes—a skill I had not possessed before Savills but now recognize as essential for ensuring client satisfaction.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
Support and Guidance
How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
Additionally, four months into my placement, I met with a member of the graduate HR team to catch up and discuss how I was settling in, as well as any points of interest I wanted to address.
Throughout the year, Savills holds online and in-person seminars for all interns and graduates. These seminars cover a variety of topics, ranging from APC-focused sessions to personal talks from individuals[This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the Higherin Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions]. These sessions were excellent opportunities to connect with colleagues and discuss the APC process.
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
Company Culture
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The atmosphere is both vibrant and welcoming with a focus on continuous learning and growth. Regular seminars, training sessions, and networking events.
Overall, the culture at Savills makes for a positive and motivating workplace.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
How would you rate the social opportunities?
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
The opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals and engage in meaningful projects not only enhanced my skills but also provided invaluable industry perspectives. This experience has profoundly prepared me for my future career, instilling in me both knowledge and confidence.
I wholeheartedly recommend a placement year, especially at Savills.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
Future Career Prospects
Please rate the future employment prospects at Savills
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Savills to a friend?
What advice would you give to others applying to Savills
During the application process, demonstrate your enthusiasm for the real estate industry and your eagerness to learn and grow within the company. Most importantly, be yourself when applying to Savills. Authenticity is crucial because it ensures you're matched with a role that suits your strengths and interests.
Lastly, take advantage of any networking opportunities or informational sessions to connect with current employees. Showing your genuine interest and readiness to contribute can make a positive impression on the recruiters at Savills.