Summer Scheme Student Review

I was based on the Rating Team in the Finsbury Circus office. My role involved identifying potential opportunities to reduce the rateable values (RVs) of retail and office properties. This included reviewing subject leases, analysing comparable lease evidence around the Antecedent Valuation Date (AVD), and assessing whether properties were valued in line with the tone of the rating list. I also accompanied surveyors and directors on property inspections to better understand property characteristics, measure floor areas and verify valuation data. In the last couple of weeks of my internship, I took on the responsibility of preparing and submitting Checks and Challenges for rateable values, supported by the evidence I had gathered, giving me ownership of real pieces of client work and a tangible responsibility within the team. I've loved my time!

Yes, I was given a lot of responsibility during my placement. As I became more familiar with the complexities of rating, I was trusted to apply what I had learnt to real client work. For example, in the final weeks of my placement, I prepared and submitted Checks and Challenges to seek reductions in rateable values, supported by my own research and analysis. This gave me ownership of meaningful work and showed the trust the team had in me.

During my internship, I developed both my technical and industry knowledge. I became much more confident using Excel to analyse data efficiently and learnt how to use Helix to research properties and gather business rates information. Through property inspections, I also gained practical surveying experience and a better understanding of how properties are measured and assessed. Alongside this, I built a strong understanding of the business rates system, including key rating terminology, valuation principles, and the process of challenging assessments to help reduce clients' liabilities.

I received a lot of support throughout my internship. As business rates is a technical area, everyone was always willing to take the time to explain concepts and answer questions. Once I had developed a good understanding, I was given more responsibility and encouraged to learn by doing, which I found to be the most effective way to develop my skills. Although I was trusted to work independently, I always knew there was support available if I needed it. This approach gave me the confidence to take on real client work, including preparing and submitting Checks and Challenges in the final weeks of my placement.

The company culture was extremely welcoming and inclusive. Everyone was happy to take the time to chat, answer questions, and explain their work, not just within my team but across the wider office. This made it easy to learn from a range of people and feel part of the team from the start. The friendly atmosphere was particularly evident at social events such as the Summer BBQ, where I felt comfortable speaking to colleagues at all levels of the business.

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship. The work was interesting and challenging, I was given real responsibility, and I learnt a great deal from both my team and the wider office. My positive experience is reflected in the fact that I accepted a return offer and will be joining the graduate programme in September, which I am very excited about.

Yes