Having started my Training Contract in September and spending the last 3 months in the Corporate, Commercial and Banking department in Milton Keynes, I have been able to reflect on my time at the firm. All the reasons that influenced my decision to select HP for my Training Contract have been highlighted even more during my first seat and I already feel like one of the team and fully settled in to the firm. There are a myriad of reasons why undertaking your Training Contract at HP is excellent, but the five I have found to stand out the most are the following –
- Every member of the firm is incredibly friendly and approachable. As soon as I started I felt at ease around the office and comfortable to ask questions. Everyone is happy to help whenever needed and offer support with any issues you have. The office is full of friendly faces and I have never felt intimidated or out of place despite my lack of experience. I am regularly offered advice on how to improve my work, as well as given tips and tricks on day to day tasks.
- There is a distinct work-life balance at HP and they understand that having a healthy equilibrium is important. Although my days are busy and filled with exciting work, my hours are not over-bearing, which means I always feel ready to attack any work that comes in and am motivated to create work to the highest standard.
- Trainees get given ‘proper’ work such as drafting contracts or reviewing terms and conditions. Since starting I have seen a transaction from start to finish and have been involved with all the intricacies of the case. There is always room to do different work and expand your abilities. Looking back I can already see the huge diversity in the type of work I have completed and feel as if I have come on leaps and bounds from when I started. My confidence has grown so much and I find myself doing more and more as the week’s progress.
- There are many social events to get involved with. From the AGM to the trainee social or the Christmas party, there is always something going on. The trainee social took place a couple of weeks ago and it was a nice opportunity to meet other new intakes and discuss everyone’s progress and achievements so far. The trainees also have a regular Friday afternoon zoom call to catch up on anything that is going on and to have a general chat. Furthermore, when there isn’t something social planned, then there are lots of networking events to attend and build up your social abilities and confidence. This allows you to meet clients and chat to other professionals in a more relaxed setting.
- There is help available whenever you need it. Whether it is IT and formatting, or something specific in the office, there is someone on hand to assist. Since starting I have had multiple zoom calls to train me on IT formatting and Word, as well as time recording and file opening. In addition to this, I have regular meetings with my supervisor to go over any areas of confusion and to discuss questions I may have. I have also recently had my mid seat review whereby we discussed the last three months and what to do going forward.
Overall, my time at HP so far has been incredibly enjoyable and the fact the firm was so welcoming made the transition process into my training contract much less daunting. I feel comfortable in my team and am always excited to see what work I will be doing next. I would recommend undertaking a training contract at HP for anyone who is attracted to doing interesting work and also being a part of a friendly and successful firm.
To find out more about the Graduate Training Contracts offered at Howes Percival click here.
