Group Functions Spring Week Review

The Group Functions Spring Week was a great experience. I enjoyed the insight to a high extent as I thought it was interactive and well organized. I really enjoyed the spotlight sessions into the various group functions within the bank. The case studies, interactive games and presentations were fun and engaging. We also had the chance to put theory to practice during the networking events and presentations to the judges on the final day.

The atmosphere at Barclays was wonderful. The people that work there are so kind and everybody is willing to answer questions you may have. I felt this created a positive environment in which I felt truly valued. The interaction between the directors and managing directors with participants was impressive. Despite their busy schedule, they were enthusiastic and passionate to spend time telling us about their role and experience at Barclays. I feel the company valued me to a high extent as a result.

I received a lot of guidance during the week, especially from graduates who were on the graduate programme. Their advice was invaluable and really broadened my horizons. Their insight into the graduate programme at Barclays and the possible qualifications was fantastic. It opened my eyes to the great opportunities that Barclays provides for its graduates. In addition, I networked with directors and managing directors at the networking events and they gave me a broad insight into their roles in their respective group function.

I developed many skills during my time at Barclays. I had the chance to improve my interpersonal skills at networking events. In addition, participating in presentations enhanced my elocution and the case studies strengthened my analytical ability. As well as that, we had a variety of useful talks related to various group functions and the material covered will assist in my degree studies in economics and finance. The first- class information we received from many distinguished speakers taught me so much about their career paths and how they progressed after completing their bachelor degree.

The insight was very well structured. The organizers of the event did a great job in diversifying our agenda so we could get an insight into various group functions within the bank. We had a proper schedule set up on our Barclays app which was very convenient. Furthermore, we had the opportunity to participate in work shadowing sessions too.

The atmosphere was wonderful. It is a values- driven company and respect is one of the main values of the bank. The respect shown by those in Barclays was ubiquitous. I felt this created a nice vibe and a friendly atmosphere that I would love to work in. From the speakers to the graduates, the respect and passion shown by them was inspiring which was nice to see.

Barclays invested a lot in us. They were really focused on developing us and teaching us about all the group functions within Barclays. Furthermore, they spent time on personal training from presentation skills to networking skills. These life- long skills I developed will benefit me for a long time, especially in the financial sector.

The Group Functions Spring Programme gave me a clear insight into what it would be like to have a full time role in the company. I mainly learned this from the graduates who were keen to praise the investment of the company in developing its graduates. Furthermore, the collaborative and friendly environment made me feel like it was the right place to work.

Barclays is a values- driven business and has five core values that are at the heart of the company: Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship. This values ensure the culture of the bank is unique and allows it to differentiate itself from its competitors. I like the purpose of the bank too: To help people achieve their ambitions, in the right way.

The content of the day was invaluable in helping me choose a future career path. The spotlight sessions into various functions allowed me to get a taste of what it would be like to work in a specific group function. Networking with other graduates who were doing their rotations was very useful as they could give an insight into various roles within a certain group function.

I was reimbursed for travel expenses and also for lunch during the week. Accommodation was also covered by the company.

Of course, we had many networking events in which we could ask questions to various employees within different areas of the bank and learn from them too. The insight week had a big focus on networking which I liked as it allowed us to get a deeper understanding of what it would be like to work in the bank.

The networking events were very good. There was always a chance to ask questions and attain a greater knowledge of a certain group function. Furthermore, I felt the enthusiasm and willingness of those working in the bank resonated with me and made me more enthusiastic and curious about the company too.

I found out about some of the opportunities that employees can get involved in outside of work. For example, "Life Skills" and "Building Young Futures" are two of Barclays' programmes to help people in the community. This is in line with Barclays focus on citizenship and giving back to the community. I thought these programmes were great and I like how Barclays is trying its best to help people around the world.

I would highly recommend this insight to a friend as it is interactive, engaging and insightful. Apart from teaching you the various group functions within the bank and how the bank runs, there is a big emphasis on developing its participants as well. The presentation skills and networking events were very useful and taught me things that I might not learn at University. I felt I developed consistently throughout the week. My group's presentation to the panel of judges and the spotlight sessions into various group functions were my highlights of the week.