We recently caught up with Harry who’s working as a Finance intern at CBRE. He shared his insights into the internship, including making his application stand out and tips on how you can follow in his footsteps.
What stood out to you about CBRE?
The opportunity to learn from a global leader in real estate. Due to the size of CBRE, it has provided a range of learning opportunities across multiple different departments, enabling the development of different skills. There is also a wide scope to network across the company, at networking events in both Leeds and London offices.
How did you make your application stand out?
I applied my relevant transferable skills and experience from previous work, societies and internships I had completed in the past.
Which part of the application process did you find the most challenging?
After completing online assessments and an automated video interview, I found out I had a finance exam on the day of the assessment center. After finding out this challenging news, I drove to the CBRE Leeds office and explained this to a manager face to face. Due to the effort I went to, they arranged another day where I could complete the presentation and be interviewed.
How did Bright Network help you secure the internship?
I found the role after seeing it advertised on Bright Network. I used the job description to find out about the company in greater detail.
What are your top tips for tackling tough interview questions?
Select a couple of examples of real life past situations where you have shown key skills that the role would require. You can then refer to these when asked a range of questions, giving your answer greater depth (STAR method).
Find out more about interview techniques with our advice on How to tackle face-to-face, phone and video interviews.
Did you get any feedback in the past that helped you with your application?
Pause before answering a question in an interview. It can be easy to rush into an answer giving an example that may not be best suited to the question asked.
What three tips would you give to Bright Network members wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Try to gain relevant work experience/ summer internships.
Practice interviews with family or friends using the STAR approach (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Take your time on every stage of your application.