What to expect in your first week at Marriott Harrison: culture, trainee support and M&A deals
Emma Siddall reflects on her first week at Marriott Harrison, how colleagues have made her feel welcome and her hope for the future at the firm. Emma Siddall is a first year trainee at Marriott Harrison in the corporate team.
Starting a new role always comes with a mix of nerves and excitement, and my first week at Marriott Harrison has been no exception.
First impressions
I was quickly put at ease on the first day when the second-year trainees arranged a coffee meeting before the office opened on our first day. This created a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that helped calm any first-day nerves. From day one I have been met by the welcoming culture of the firm. Every colleague I’ve met has taken the time to introduce themselves, share insights, and offer support which has made the transition both smooth and uplifting.
My first seat in the corporate team
My first seat is in the corporate team. I was initially interested in this area having studied company law in university and gaining experience working for a law firm that provides business planning services. I have always been interested by the legal framework that shape how businesses are formed, structured and scaled. My experience working at a business planning firm further deepened this interest, as I was exposed to the practical challenges businesses face when navigating expansion, investment, and regulatory compliance.
On my first day, an associate arranged a meeting to introduce me to the corporate team and the kind of work they do. This was really helpful as we went through the type of work I will be tasked with as a trainee and answered any initial questions I had. I was also provided with some material and resources to get familiar with the corporate team’s two main workstreams: mergers & acquisitions and venture capital.
As the week progressed, I was briefed on some of the M&A deals I would be involved in. Particularly the type of work I will be expected to complete. This was very exciting because I got to learn so much about the type of work involved in a corporate transaction. I was also very excited to get the opportunity to contribute to the team and take on real responsibility from such an early stage in my training contract.
Right from day one, a common theme from everyone I spoke to was ‘no question is a stupid question.’ This immediately put me at ease because it created an open and supportive environment where I felt comfortable asking for guidance, seeking clarification, and actively engaging with the work without fear of judgment. It encouraged me to be curious, proactive, and confident in my learning, knowing that growth comes from asking questions and embracing new challenges.
Reflections...
As I reflect on my first week, I feel grateful and motivated. Grateful for the warm welcome and guidance I’ve received and motivated to continue building my skills, supporting clients and growing within such a dynamic environment.
I’m looking forward to the weeks and months ahead - and to be part of Marriott Harrison’s continued success.