The SilverDoor secondment scheme gives our teams the unique opportunity to experience working life in another of our seven global offices. This year, we extended the scheme to our placements – offering a week-long secondment at our SilverDoor Madrid office, located on the famous Gran Via street.
After a competitive selection, with applicants filming, writing and even dancing their way through the process, two of our London-based placements, Madeleine Loader and Loveday Trott, jetted off to the Spanish capital for an unforgettable week.
At SilverDoor, we believe a placement is more than just an opportunity for some industry-relevant work experience; it's the chance to explore different perspectives, embrace cultures, and develop both personally and professionally. The SilverDoor secondment scheme is a prime example of this. During their week in Madrid, our placements were able to explore different professional avenues, embrace a new business culture, and connect with our Madrid team. Overall, the week was invaluable, but don’t just take our word for it; hear directly from both Maddie and Loveday on their experience.
Get to know our secondees...
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Maddie: I am studying Business Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. At SilverDoor, I work as Partner Relationships Support, which entails maintaining and building relationships with our property partners. I decided to do a placement because I knew the experience and connections I would gain would be an invaluable asset to my career. After attending a talk by SilverDoor at university, I had to apply! The company ethos was right up my street, and I felt as if it would be a great fit for me. A fun fact about me is that I’ve performed on a West End Stage! |
Loveday: I am studying Marketing at Nottingham Trent University. At SilverDoor, I work as Client Account Support, working with our clients to source the best accommodation for business trips and relocations. I decided to do a placement because I wanted to experience what it was like to work in an office environment and gain skills that would help me in my third year. The SilverDoor Academy was the perfect choice for this. After reading and hearing about previous placement experiences, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. A fun fact about me is that I love to play hockey and surf. |
Maddie
Loveday
What made you want to apply for the secondment?
I couldn’t have passed up this opportunity. As soon as it was announced, all my application ideas began to run through my head. I knew this trip, on top of my already amazing placement experience, would add even more value, and of course – who wouldn’t want to work with our Madrid team!
I really wanted to explore Madrid, go to a new country, connect with the team, and my team also does a lot of work in Madrid, so it was good to finally see the place in person.
What did the secondment do for your professional development?
I knew this experience would be a great opportunity to be taken out of my comfort zone. I was able to interact and understand a different work and social culture, how our business works, and make some invaluable connections.
The secondment helped me build international connections. I had the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues, and partners in Madrid. Building relationships in a new cultural context also refined my interpersonal skills, which are fundamental to client account management.
How did the Madrid office compare to what you’re used to in London?
We all know what London can be like... the morning rush and busy tubes, but in Madrid I really noticed a refreshing change of pace. The Madrid team really takes time to talk with colleagues, grab a slow morning coffee and get ready for the working day. The office was filled with such a great vibe and there was always lots of laughter.
The Madrid office was much smaller and close-knit, especially when you’re used to the buzz of the London office. With that said, it still had the hallmarks of a SilverDoor workspace and a beautiful rooftop to relax on!
What did you get up to when you weren’t in the office?
We knew we had to make the most of what the city had to offer, and after we saw the beautiful weather forecast, we did all we could! From riding through the city’s sights on a moped with our Key Account Manager Michael Hall, to enjoying a picnic in the beautiful El Retiro Park and having some after-work drinks on the roof deck of the office!
While out of the office, I went for runs and had picnics in Madrid’s parks. I also enjoyed indulging in Spanish cuisine and shopping along Gran Via. It was great to immerse myself in their culture and the team were so welcoming!
What was the highlight of the secondment?
The highlight for me was the beautiful lunch prepared by the Madrid team. It involved traditional Spanish and South American dishes such as Tequeños, paella and Spanish omelette. We were able to connect with the team, enjoy some amazing food, and soak up the sun.
The highlight of the secondment was definitely the picnic in El Retiro park, watching the sunset upon the lake is a memory I’ll never forget. It was also the perfect way to connect with the Madrid team in a more relaxed and informal setting.
What skills did you develop while on your secondment?
I developed my communication skills, but in a whole different way! With there being a slight language barrier with certain phrases, it was really beneficial for me to be able to communicate with the team regardless of language. It created a great bond between us and the team.
I feel as though I had a taste of what it was like to be a business traveller, relocating to a new city and navigating the challenges, but also embracing the opportunities that come with it. I also learnt how to adapt to a new environment and truly make it feel like a home away from home.
Would you recommend a placement at SilverDoor?
Absolutely! Go for it. This year has been filled with so many experiences and lessons I never would have been exposed to. I have learnt so much in my year here and I can’t wait to bring these skills into my future career. The people and connections I’ve made I will value for the rest of my life.
100% - not only have I learned so much about myself this year, but I’ve also built connections and friendships that will last a lifetime. I’ve developed key skills such as task prioritisation and time management, which will be invaluable as I head into my final year.
Secondments aren’t just valuable to those visiting. They also bring meaningful benefits to the hosting team. From exposure to new perspectives and ways of working, to office wide morale boosts, secondments spark growth on both sides.
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What was it like having the placements in the office for a week?
“Overall, it was a refreshing and positive experience for all of us! Having the placements in the office brought a great energy – they were curious engaged, and genuinely keen to learn. It was rewarding to see how quickly they adapted and how interested they were in understanding the different roles and dynamics within the office.”
Ignacio Carvajal, Regional Manager – Iberia & LATAM
How did it benefit the Madrid team having the secondees visiting?
“Having the secondees visit was a real boost for the Madrid team – both professionally and personally. From a morale perspective, it brought a renewed sense of energy to the office. It’s always refreshing to have new faces around, especially those who are eager to learn and contribute. It also gave us a good opportunity to reflect on what we do day to day, and how we can share that knowledge in a meaningful way.”
Ignacio Carvajal, Regional Manager – Iberia & LATAM
Not only does the SilverDoor secondment scheme encourage cross-office collaboration and forge a more cohesive global team, it also provides a unique opportunity for our teams to exchange ideas and share best practice
What are the benefits of secondments to our staff?
“The biggest benefit is experience. You hear a lot about what qualifications people have or need, and these are of course important, but you can’t beat real world experience. It’s how you grow not only as an employee, but as a person. Trying new things, meeting new people both at SilverDoor and in your secondment destination will bring you new skills and improve the ones you already have.”
Hollie Symons, Vice President Executive Support and Global Workplace Operations
Why were secondment applications opened to placements?
“Why not! At SilverDoor, we view placements as just as much part of the company as any other permanent team member so it was only right this opportunity was extended to them too. There are also some benefits of a secondment that are unique to placements, not only will it help them with how they approach work going into final year, it also gives them international business experience, something rare to find on a placement year”
Hollie Symons, Vice President Executive Support and Global Workplace Operations
How does the business benefit from its staff embarking on secondments?
“In so many ways. Culture is one, we’re a big team now so having that face-to-face interaction is so important in building relationships. It’s also really helpful to share to intricacies of different regions, offices, and roles to gain a better understanding of the business as a whole. Secondments always help to bring a fresh perspective to the office they’re visiting, suggesting ways to improve on our service that we wouldn’t have seen otherwise.”
Hollie Symons, Vice President Executive Support and Global Workplace Operations
The SilverDoor Academy offers a 12-month placement to university students on a sandwich degree programme. Our secondment scheme exemplifies the hands on professional and personal experience at your door with a placement at SilverDoor. Applications for our 2026/27 SilverDoor Academy cohort open in October. If you’re looking to make the first step in your career, be sure to apply by visiting our dedicated SilverDoor Academy page.
