Personal Corporate Banking & Barclaycard Review

I very much enjoyed the whole experience at Barclays. Having not come from a financial background on my course at university, the insight was not too complicated so that I was unable to get a taste for the banking industry. In this way, Barclays catered for applicant doing all sorts of course at university. We received presentations from a wide range of employees to get a taste of all sorts of roles at Barclays. The HR staff who organised the week put a huge amount of effort in which made the process of getting to know everyone and learning about the industry a great deal easier.

I felt very valued during the whole week. Right from the off I was impressed, as the HR staff had taken the time to learn all of our names before we had arrived so that we felt a lot more comfortable on the first day. I felt that I was able to ask any questions and that people would want to help me. Also, the shadowing exercise was very well set up and every employee was very welcoming so that we all felt very valued.

Throughout the insight week, the HR staff were always available to answer questions and they were always happy to help sort out any issues.Additionally, in all the presentations there was a Q & A at the end and we were all encouraged to ask any questions, however simple. After some of the Q & As, too, the presenter would stick around to answer any more questions that we had, too. During the shadowing exercise, all the employees were incredibly friendly as well as honest and they would answer any questions we had with sincerity.

The information I received during the spring week will assist me in making decisions about the career I would like to pursue in the future, since I got a real taste for the banking industry thanks to the week. Also, the assessed last day helped me to hone my presentation and interview skills as well as my ability to collaborate during the group exercise. In this way, it will assist me not only in any presentations I might have to make at university, but also in any interviews I have for internships in the future as well as any job interviews!

The insight was structured very effectively. The first couple of days were mostly presentations as well as time to get to know our fellow interns. Then, once we had got to know a lot of the other interns, the networking event was on the Wednesday evening so that we felt comfortable being in the atmosphere because we already had gotten to know a lot of the people. A lot of the group work and shadowing was on the last couple of days which I thought was a good idea because we would be able to reach our potential as a result because we were more comfortable with our surroundings.

From the first day, the atmosphere was very comfortable and friendly. Everyone is nervous before the start of an insight week, but everyone (staff and other interns) was really nice and friendly, so it was easy to get comfortable. As the insight week progressed, too, I became more comfortable and got to know a lot of people around me which was nice. All the Barclays staff who I met were also very welcoming with helped to create and maintain the friendly atmosphere of the week.

We were all given time with employees for the shadowing exercise and those employees took time out of their day to talk to us which gave the impression that the company very much values those who go through its internship system. Additionally, employees took time out of their day to watch our presentations as well to to give us mock interviews to help with our interview skills. In general, I felt like Barclays does value and invest in the students who want to get their foot in the door early.

It helped to a great extent, through the shadowing exercise and the tours of certain floors, we got an insight into the daily life of a Barclays employee. During the shadowing exercise, we were able to ask any and all questions and the employees explained their current projects which gave us a real view of their daily life.

A lot of emphasis was placed on the 5 values and it really sank it how much Barclays prides itself upon acting on these values. There was a lot of importance placed upon the fact that nowadays the bonus is dependent on not only performance but also adherence to the values. Also, the HR staff and all employees I met were incredible friendly which gave a real outline of the company culture.

It gave me a real insight into all the different roles available in the banking industry and thus helped me greatly in my next steps

I received a £250 lump sum and there were reimbursements for those who travelled from university.

Many, We had a networking event on the Wednesday evening with around 35 employees from different sectors so we were able to meet lots of people there. Also, during the group exercises and shadowing exercise, we had a number of different supervisors who we could meet.

Of course, the main networking event was a bit intense but everyone was very friendly and welcoming so it was a lot of fun.

There seemed to be lots of opportunities, both socially and for other reasons e.g. charity, sport etc.

I would certainly recommend this to a friend.