Group Change Management - Delivery Assurance Review

As someone who studies in a completely different area to banking (Ecology / Zoology), I was unsure how I would enjoy my placement at the start. I have to say however that I thoroughly enjoyed my internship, I felt heavily involved in projects and strongly valued by colleagues. I also had the opportunity to get involved with the wider group area and shadow / work with other colleagues.

I felt highly valued by colleagues, engaged with and involved in many aspects of work within our relatively small team. Entrusted with having final say on decisions regarding work and listened to when sharing my opinion. Also sociable out with working hours be it a meal and a few drinks or going for a round of golf after work.

My line manager was always available to answer any questions I had regarding any aspect of work or anything else in general and give guidance on tasks. Other colleagues in my small team were also happy to answer any questions and give guidance. There was also an open and honest conversation regarding career personal development and opportunities where appropriate.

As soon as I joined I went straight into a project review which kept me busy with interviews and reporting. After this was completed there was a slight lull when my manager when on holiday and there was no role specific work to take up the full time. During this time I reached out to colleagues in the wider area and secured task to assist them and time shadowing to enhance my knowledge about my business area. A second review was carried out which kept me busy with interviews and reporting again. I never felt too busy during this placement, only a couple of times where there was free time, however relatively relaxed tasks filled these.

As the area I worked in was made up of a small number of highly experienced professionals they had a lot of responsibility for interviewing and reporting. However I still found that I was able to contribute and was given final say on some decisions. I understand that the area I worked in relies strongly on the experience of my colleagues and that placing too strong a responsibility on me would not necessarily be feasible.

With the placement not being directly related to my degree (Ecology/Zoology), it is hard to say that I have developed skills that will assist directly me with this. I do however feel that this placement has developed me strongly as a person in terms of confidence and it has given me a further insight into a world in which I would have no experience through my degree. I have no doubt this internship will be very valuable for my career.

In my office area there was only my line manager and I from the specific area of the business I was working in, although there were other people at desks around us. The atmosphere was generally good and fun, people seemed to be able to have a laugh and find time to discuss things other than work e.g. football, golf, Olympics. I did visit other offices with my role and I never came across anyone who wasn't happy to speak with me and enhance the knowledge I gained from my internship.

The placement was set up well with defined tasks and learning established early on. I was involved with important work in my area and in quieter times was able to easily go into another area and assist/observe on relevant tasks. When I had to travel to other offices from my base this was organised well allowing for seamless travel.

During the internship there were scheduled webinars that were run effectively to allow all interns to build themselves and gain an understanding of the value they are bringing to the bank. The titles of these were; Personal Impact, Customer Excellence, Delivering Together, and Adding Value. Colleagues around me were more than happy to spend time with me and build my personal knowledge as well.

In being honest, before the internship started they weren't particularly appealing to me at all. Having now done the internship, my viewpoint has completely changed and it is an organisation that I could see myself working for happily in the future. My line manager in particular has managed to build my interest in working with the organisation and the general friendliness of every colleague I came into contact with has furthered this.

I must admit, as during my placement I lived in my own flat and was based at an office with no other placement students, I didn't have much of a social interaction with them. I do however believe those living in shared accommodation had much more social interaction with each other. And I did attend an occasional Wednesday night 5 a side football game. With regards to colleagues in my placement, there were occasional social events available to colleagues should they wish to attend, this could be a light hearted breakfast together or a pizza lunch ordered in to the office. Many of the colleagues also play golf and regularly go for a round of golf after work.

As I live in Edinburgh normally already I am aware of the expense involved. It is a relatively expensive city for social activities and most things are of relatively high cost. It is of note however that during the Fringe Festival, there are many free events which can be attended.

My knowledge comes from already living in Edinburgh. I know there are many nightclubs that are open most nights that are always busy and a party atmosphere. The other thing of note with a summer placement in Edinburgh is that you will be here during the Fringe Festival. The city is a completely different place during this time and there are always things on right into the night.

As Edinburgh is a bustling city, there is always something going on that you can get involved with. As for activities with work colleagues, there was a day for 5 a side football and also regular golf outings with colleagues to the many golf courses on offer in the area. I'm sure there are other things that I'm just not aware of at present.