Credit Risk Analyst Review

I enjoyed the placement greatly. There was a good balance of working independently, solving tasks as part of a wider team and also assisting in projects for both my team and the wider group. The London offices are located ideally for the many social events. These varied and continued all year in many bars, pubs, go karting, laser quest .

I initially joined the Group with limited previous relevant work experience. The first few months were spent completing tedious, monthly reports. Through doing this I gained an insight into the business area and learnt practical skills. As my confidence and ability improved I was given greater responsibility and approached more from a wider range of colleagues. I was able to assist them and feel as though my work is appreciated.

My line manager sat with next to me and assisted whenever required for the first few months. I was also paired with a Senior Analyst to improve my technical skills which was vastly beneficial. It wasn't overbearing, but I always felt I could ask and be supported when struggling, no matter how basic the task.

Most of my work runs on a monthly basis meaning that there are busy periods each month which leads to staying an hour or two late on occasion. At other times though I was less busy and waiting for 5 o'clock. As my placement progressed however I have taken on longer term projects which I can fit around my monthly reporting. This means I have less time sat being unproductive during quiet times of the month.

At the start I had no knowledge of the team and my skills were not refined so I followed procedures to run reports. I have been given more challenging individual and team projects as my skills have improved. If you are driven and determined then you will be given the opportunity to prove yourself. If you want to responsibility it will be given to you.

There are few skills I have learnt that will be relevant for my degree. I will apply the work ethic and time management skills that I have learnt to my studies, although the actual content overlaps very little. My skills learnt this year will be more relevant I feel for when I enter the full time graduate jobs market.

The team are very relaxed and friendly. Regular team socials and lunches ensure that everybody is included and everyone is willing to help should you ask. Regular dress down days (including every Friday) help to ensure a relaxed atmosphere. The team are helpful, hard working and approachable, but also enjoy a social!

The application process and interviews were efficient and well planned. The first few weeks had basic training sessions and support was provided to get you up to speed. After that however you are integrated into the team and treated like a full time analyst. On the whole enough organisation takes place to enable IPs to perform their roles competently.

There is a rough structure where you spend 6 months learning the role and gaining skills then 6 months giving back to the team with your developed attibutes. There was basic training at the start to allow you to be competent in your job. However, after that if you require further training and development it's up to you to organise this yourself.

Current structural changes make it difficult to tell where and when vacancies will become available. There are around 20 graduate scheme positions available for the 95 industrial placement students to fight for. There is also the option, should you perform well, to return once graduated as an analyst. Many of the current team took this approach and are ex-IPs themselves.

There is a very strong social scene within the bank. I was part of the Sport and Social committee and organised monthly team socials including roof top bars in Shoreditch, Go Karting and table football tournaments in trendy pubs. There are many IP events to attend and the general team of analysts and managers also enjoy an alcoholic lager beer from time to time.

I lived in the Olympic Park and took the 8 minute train to Liverpool Street each morning. I survived quite comfortable on my salary. Try to scope out cheap places for lunch (they do exist promise) as lunch out every day can rack up pretty quickly. Same goes for after work drinks. Many places offer 2 4 1 so don't be a fool and pay a fiver a pint all year!

The city is the place to be if you enjoy nightlife. Monday to Friday it is packed to the rafters with London's best dressed lads and lasses, all suited and booted. During the weekend though the place is a ghost town! thankfully it's a two minute walk to Shoreditch which should meet all of your partying needs.

Outside of work I met up with colleagues to socialise. We also got involved helping the local community. Through Give & Gain the team and I helped transform the local community; painting, weeding, planting and cleaning Shadwell's community spaces. It was an enriching experience and good fun. Plenty of opportunities like this exist throughout the year at Lloyds.