Analyst, Insight, Chief Operating Office, Group Corporate Affairs Review

I loved the people I was working with and I was given my own project to own across the ten weeks, as well as getting involved with other projects the team were working on. They were flexible and allowed me to get involved with pretty much anything that I was interested in, as long as I had time.

During my placement we had a big research project on and we all took a section of data to analyse. When feeding back to the wider team and brainstorming what points to take forward, my section of research was used as evidence for other points. I felt valued because my team trusted in the work I had done and allowed me to feedback to the team independently.

My line manager wasn't based in the same city as me but we spoke most days and he came to where I was based at least once a week. We got on really well and he was great at letting me do my own thing but if I ever needed support, I could always ask. I like working independently and reaching out when I need to rather than feeling like I'm being checked up on so this worked perfectly for me. The score is slightly lower here because I appreciate that some people would prefer more support and guidance.

This was very up and down depending on what projects we had on in the wider team. My own project also relied on input from other people and since it was holiday season, this didn't always happen. I did have some days where I really struggled to find work and after emailing lots of people asking if I could help with anything, I still had nothing to do. These days were rare but it did happen! I was really honest with my line manager about how much I hated having nothing to do and after that, he let me get involved with more projects to keep me busier.

I definitely felt like I was given a lot of responsibility and increasingly so as the placement went on and the team got to know me a little bit more. Most of my team were not in the same office as me, so I was responsible for managing my own time and allocating work as and when to meet deadlines.

I'm a mature student and worked in a range of jobs before starting my studies so I don't think this applies to me as much as others but I would say that I still felt I developed a lot of skills and it's definitely a good place to get involved with a range of different things. As with most things, you get out what you put in. If you work hard and ask for lots of opportunities for professional development, you will probably get them!

The office in Bristol was relaxed and friendly and I met lots of nice people in different deparments who were all really keen to help out. I also worked in the Cardiff office which was smaller but also really lovely. Lots of people say the London offices aren't as relaxed but I didn't find that. I spent a few days in separate London offices and although people tend to dress smarter and are generally quieter, I wouldn't say the atmosphere wasn't nice. It did feel more 'serious' in London but that's to be expected.

It was as organised as any job. My project brief was there on my first day along with my laptop (technical difficulties meant that didn't work until the second day but not a real disaster), I was usually given plenty of warning about deadlines and meetings etc and if anything was last minute/unplanned, my line manager gave me to option of whether I wanted to go or not.

My team and the people who were in my office put lots of time and effort into training and developing me but I wouldn't say the wider company itself did. They put on webinars in the first 4 weeks which were for training and development but to be honest, they were absolutely rubbish. Complete waste of two hours that I could've spent productively. I still put six though because my team were great at filling in this gap.

Good grad scheme with lots of scope to move around different roles. Line managers are great at helping you develop your skills through your placement to help you get a referral to the grad scheme at the end. I completed this internship after my first year so obviously wasn't looking for a grad job!

I spent time with my own friends in Bristol as I'm older than most of the other interns. They were all lovely and I chatted to them a lot in work but I don't think anyone really spent a lot of time with fellow students/colleagues outside of work. There was opportunity for this I would say it seemed to be more of a personality thing.

Bristol is expensive but I live here anyway so I'm used to the prices. I stayed in my own flat during the internship but I know other interns were in studio flats that were provided by and payed for by Lloyds which is perfect if you don't live near one of the offices.

Bristol has a bit of everything and I absolutely love it here. Loads of bars, club, restaurants and so much choice depending on what kind of music/night you're into. It is quieter at 'student' clubs over the summer but everywhere else is still busy on the weekend!

There were activities outside of work that other colleagues were involved in but I don't think interns really took part much. Ten weeks isn't very long, especially if you're in a new city, so there isn't loads of time to get your bearings and then figure out how to get involved in extra activities too.