Summer Scheme Student Review
at Savills
Internship (1 Month+)
Property Management
Dumfries
Review Submitted: July 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
4.8/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
Support and Guidance
3.8/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
5/5
-
Future Career Prospects
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
As a Forestry summer scheme student, my role was integrated directly into the operational and consultancy functions as soon as I arrived into the Dumfries based office. Working under guidance of senior forestry consultants and managers such as Neil Dyson, I have been exposed to both commercial and technical aspects of modern forestry management. The placement developed my understanding of investment, client services, land management, and health & safety within the UK's professional forestry sector.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
I was entrusted wit a meaningful level of responsibility throughout my internship at Savills. I independently produced formal client and contractor facing documents such as writing a site safety handbook, preparing tenders covering more than 70 arboricultural jobs, and authored site diaries for operational visits. I was also expected to interpret and apply H&S legislation, liaise with contractors, and communicate clearly with senior staff. This responsibility reflected trust in my judgment and helped me develop professionally and technically.
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
During my time with Savills Forestry, I developed new skills in tender writing and evaluation, site documentation, H&S planning, contractor communications and financial forecasting. I strengthened existing competencies in operational forestry, professional communication and project coordination. I also gained a valuable insight into forestry investment, contractor management, and career development pathways such as RICS and the APC. This experience has enhanced both my technical capability and my confidence working within a commercial consultancy environment.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
4/5
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
5/5
Support and Guidance
How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
I received stog support throughout my internship. Regular check-ins wit graduate representatives and the talent acquisition team provided structure, whilst all in the Dumfries team were always approachable and encouraging . Savills fosters a culture where initiative is valued, you're expected to voice your interests, but once you do, the support is exceptional. I found there were no barriers to accessing advice, whether from senior directors or junior graduates, creating an open and empowering environment.
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
5/5
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
5/5
Company Culture
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The culture at Savills is highly professional but also personable and inclusive. There's a strong sense of pride in the quality delivered, with very high expectations across the board. But equally, a willingness to guide and support those who show enthusiasm and initiative. The atmosphere is the Dumfries office was very friendly and collaborative, with open communication across all levels. I always felt comfortable approaching senior staff, and there was a shared drive to learn, grow, and deliver for clients.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
4/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
4/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
3/5
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
4/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with Savills Forestry. It offered me the perfect balance of hands-on experience, professional development, and exposure to the wider forestry investment sector. I found the work genuinely interesting, particularly the site visits, tender preparation, and interactions with clients and contractors. The team was welcoming and supportive from the beginning, and the responsibility I was given made me feel valued. It confirmed my desire to peruse a career in consultancy and reinforce my long-term goal of joining the graduate scheme.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Future Career Prospects
Please rate the future employment prospects at Savills
5/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Savills to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to Savills
My biggest advice is to show genuine enthusiasm and initiative from the start. Savills is a company that rewards curiosity and drive. If you express your interests, people at every level will go out of their way to try and support you. Don't be afraid to speak up, ask questions, or reach out to senior staff; the culture is open and approachable. Also, take time to understand Savills' business model, especially the consultancy and investment side, as it shows you're thinking commercially, not just operationally. Finally, be proactive in seeking experience across all departments and disciplines. There is such a wealth of knowledge available, but you need to take the first step.
