Barclays Spring Intern Review

It is a very enjoyable experience if you want to meet new people, everyone is very casual and friendly to talk to. You do feel tired at the end of the day but I am sure that everyone would agree that the days are well utilised. The program I participated in (Technology) is quite small compared to other groups so you get to know everyone on a first name basis.

You meet a lot of managing directors who come to talk about their job and their career. You met many experienced people and were free to ask anything you wanted. I felt the shadowing opportunities were the key part of the programme as you had the opportunities to see systems and processes that were not available to the public. This made you feel like you were already part of Barclays.

I received a lot of advice, including preparation for the summer internship interview that takes place at the end of the week. You can also ask the graduates you shadow questions that others may not like to answer openly and gain a true insight into their career decisions. It is a unique opportunity. You were not explicitly guided to what role would be best for you but the people from all over the organisation you meet help you to determine that yourself.

There is not much focus on technical skills during this week. You did hear about some very technical elements but this was not the focus of the week. I luckily did meet someone who did my course at my university and so it was great to ask whether all the modules I am currently doing is relevant.

Very well structured. There is so much that has been packed into this week. Only downside is that lunch may get a bit short, however, the are plenty of breaks so you don't get tired from listening to presentations all day. There are also plenty of other activities such as tours of different departments so you could really see how people worked at Barclays.

It is very casual, everyone is friendly and it was a genuinely fun experience. I felt that the relatively small group that took part in the programme helped since everyone knew each other very quickly. This even helped during the final interviews since you may have met your interviewer several times during the week and so they already have an insight to you.

There was not much in terms of technical training. By the end of the week you do have a greater understanding of how a bank works and the hierarchy that runs in the bank and the different departments that work within the bank. I was really up to you to make sure you made good notes. There is some training in terms of presentation and interview skills.

You spoke to many people from different positions who explained what a day at Barclays was like to them. They told us how they progressed through their careers and the different projects they have worked on in Barclays. Speaking to who you shadowed was more insightful as they explained how they could quickly progress.

It helped dispel my initial impression that Barclays was going to be full of bankers in suits. You can see how Barclays is focused on Technology as it seems to make up a very significant proportion of the business. For example some departments may be more casual than others. It really gives the impression of a nicer place to work in.

I believe that the content of the programme was very focussed on helping you decide your future career paths. You were given the opportunity to hear from and shadow different people in different positions in different departments. This really helped in allowing you to determine which area you would see yourself working in.

You receive a one off payment at the end of the week and then you can also claim any other travel expenses such as train or flight tickets. Accommodation is provided in nearby Stratford for those that need it. I did not in this case but others have shown me it and I must say it is very nice.

During the week you meet a lot of people from Barclays and your are actively encouraged to network with them and get in contact with them if you want to ask them any questions. There are multiple sessions specifically focused on networking and everyone is open to giving you their email or adding you on linkedin.

There is a networking event that is organised where you have the opportunity to not just meet senior people in the area you are interested in but also meet people from other areas. Everyone you meet was happy to give you their business card or email or add you on linked in.

There was not a lot said about the activities employees do outside of work however some employees and managers told us of the gym in the building we were working at (1 Churchill Place) and the various clubs that were in the building that were very similar to university societies in style.

I would highly recommend this experience to a friend as even though it is only a week in length there is so much that is put into the week. I believe this week is geared to those who want to know how they would fit into Barclays and what they would like to do if they do join Barclays in the end.