Group Functions Spring Analyst Review

The insight was exceptionally enjoyable. Talks and functions spotlight sessions were almost invariably interesting and informative, while the opportunities provided for networking and graduate shadowing were both engaging and useful.

Us interns were very well treated throughout; indeed, experiencing first-hand the overwhelmingly positive and respectful environment which was prevalent at Barclays was something from which I drew great enjoyment.

Guidance and support was available throughout and from a wide range of sources.

The knowledge I was able to develop concerning financial services, economic affairs and the organisation of a large-scale corporation is likely to be helpful both regarding my undergraduate degree and (crucially) when seeking employment in future.

The program was well organised and ran smoothly throughout.

The atmosphere was generally excellent. Although certain parts of the week were, for me, less engaging than others - largely the result, I suspect, of my interest in some areas more than others within the area of group functions - the event was generally interesting, thereby contributing to the establishment of a highly positive atmosphere.

The program gave me a valuable insight into what it would be like to work in a firm such as Barclays. I was provided with ample opportunity to shadow analysts on the graduate program, thereby enabling me to experience the nature of work at Barclays first-hand. In addition, I was able to talk with a wide range of Barclays employees of varying levels of seniority, all of whom were helpful in providing me with a genuine understanding of what it is like to be an employee of the firm.

Experiencing the Barclays culture was, for me, one of the most positive aspects of my spring week experience. From the beginning of the event it was evident that the nature of the firm's operations stood in complete opposition to conventional perceptions concerning the methods of financial industry; Barclays's culture is founded on notions of corporate responsibility and values-driven business rather than on the cutthroat and unpleasant methods often associate with the banking industry, and the opportunity to appreciate the firm's positive culture and work environment was something I enjoyed.

The event was of great help in terms of assisting with career decisions. Coming into the event I was uncertain as to whether I would be suited to both work in London and within the financial sector. These doubts were, however, quickly dispelled; I soon realised that working within the area of group functions (in particular, within Human Resources Management) would be something in which I would be very interested.

A wealth of opportunities were provided for networking. As well as the organisation of a major two hour networking evening midway through the program, there were regular smaller networking sessions with both senior members of staff and graduates held regularly during the week. Moreover, there were plenty of opportunities outside of formal networking sessions to talk with members of staff, with, for example, our pairing with a graduate program 'buddy' being a useful contact with whom to discuss work matters.

As stated in the above comment, networking opportunities were both extensive and very well organised. Formal social events were rather less common. This is not to say, however, that there was no social element to the week. On the contrary, the structure of the week allowed for considerable social activity with my cohort, particularly with those whom I shared the excellent accommodation provided by Barclays in Stratford.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this spring insight program to any friend of mine who is interested in gaining an insight into what it means to work within an organisation such as Barclays. The week provided me with a wealth of knowledge and practical experience which will undoubtedly be helpful when seeking employment in future, as well as providing me with an avenue through which to potentially further my career at Barclays in the form of a summer internship in 2017, and I would, therefore, be more than willing to encourage friends to apply.