Channel Optimisation Analyst Review

Unfortunately I have not enjoyed this internship very much, for a number of reasons, the main one being that the work was not stimulating. Although I was given a 'project', it mostly involved copying and pasting data into a spreadsheet all day every day, as Lloyds does not have a system in place capable of this sort of data capture. Whilst I accept that obtaining data to back up your argument is an essential part of any piece of work, I do feel that this mammoth task was just 'dumped on the intern to keep them occupied'. I did learn a few Excel skills in the process, but otherwise do not feel I have developed at all, which I am disappointed about. I realise interns cannot be given big important roles with important decisions, but I would have liked to be challenged during my time here.

Everyone I set up meetings with was extremely happy to take the time to explain their role to me, which was impressive. Initially I was given a desk on the end of a row away from most of my colleagues, making it difficult to interact with them, but once I got more confident I asked to move seats to get more involved which made being in work much more interesting and enjoyable. However the people around me were not working on similar projects to me, so getting help and advice was sometimes difficult.

I did have weekly 121's with my line manager, but towards the beginning of my internship they moved departments so this was the only time I was able to speak to them face-to-face. I was assigned a task manager, however I did not feel they had time for me or understood the purpose of an internship. My requests to be involved in calls or meetings were either declined or ignored which slowed my progress a lot. In short, both of my managers were very friendly but I did not feel supported by them.

Copying and pasting data took time, so I was reasonably occupied. However there were often times when I had finished a stage of my project and then had a long wait for input from my task manager. During these times I worked on Charity Challenge fundraisers and used Skillsoft to train myself on Excel and Business Communication skills. I also set up meetings with other employees both where I was based and further afield. Despite this, I found myself deliberately working at a slower pace than I could in order to avoid having periods of time with nothing to do.

My project was my own in that no-one else was working on it, but I felt as if I was being 'kept in the dark' about certain things, for example I found out another area of the Bank was essentially aiming for the opposite to me purely by chance. There were very few opportunities for me to think for myself, and I was not allowed to be present on the call when my work was shared, for reasons I'm not clear on.

My degree is not at all related to banking, but the Excel skills I learnt could be useful in the future. I did some analysis of the data I collected and put it into a presentation, which helped to develop my transferrable skills. I have worked in a corporate environment before so I had an understanding of the behaviours and expectations, but it was useful to be practise them again.

People were friendly and happy. My team did a few socials including the Pub Rally, a boat trip and a paddleboarding experience which were really fun and enabled me to get to know more people in the office. Myself and my immediate colleagues also had some lively discussions at our desks which were fun.

I did not feel my project had been thought-out properly or that I was supported through it. My objectives were not written until at least half way through my internship which made it difficult to know what was expected of me and what I should be aiming to achieve. I was not introduced to very many people at all, so it was up to me to ask questions and find out about the other people in the department.

Overall, Lloyds has invested a huge amount in the scheme I am on, both in time and money dedicated to me personally and the scheme as a whole. During my first internship I was given an appropriate amount of work tailored for an internship but that was still valuable to the business. However, I did not receive this same level of investment this summer.

Despite not enjoying this internship, I recognise that Lloyds is a huge organisation with many different business units that I might enjoy more. The graduate scheme has many advantages including a good starting salary and the opportunity to move around the country. However, I am not sure that I want to pursue a career in the financial industry as I may want to stay within my degree field. I may also prefer to work for a smaller company so that I could be more involved in many different processes.

Yes - we all lived together in a block of studio apartments and met up for drinks and other activities after work and on the weekends. There were two other interns in my department and we all travelled to London for a shadowing day together which was nice. The interns tended to have lunch together as well.

Living was affordable, especially as we were being paid a salary and our accommodation was free. There were many food shops close by and lots of restaurants offered discounts to Lloyds employees. The canteen was reasonably priced so lunches were not too expensive, and the social activities organised by the business were affordable.

Good Nightlife - the interns went out most weekends and had a good time. Prices were reasonable and opening hours as expected. There was plenty of choice - clubs, pubs and other entertainment including comedy festivals and a balloon fiesta which included fireworks. The area felt safe when walking home.

Yes - easily accessible gyms and other sporting facilities. The river offers unusual activities such as paddle boarding, and there are many theatres and cinemas. The shops are good and close-by and there are lots of outdoor spaces where you can either sit and relax or kick a ball around.