Summer Intern Review

My internship was engaging and offered me the opportunity to work with very talented people. I definitely enjoyed it because I managed to learn a lot from participating to client meetings and from engaging with various employees of the bank. I was particulary drawn to the high-quality working environment.

Lloyds Banking Group is an open and friendly bank. Thus, from my first days I felt valued by all colleagues, starting from interns to higher management. The Charity Challenge and my stand-alone projects helped me contribute to the day to day activities of the bank. As a result, I was adding more value and I was feeling appreciated.

My line manager was very helpful even before joining the Internship Scheme. I was given many materials in order to prepare for my first weeks. Throughout my internship I was given weekly projects and various task that helped me understand how the bank operates, how products are created and how client meetings are conducted. My line manager and the entire team offered me support and guidance to all my questions. It was an amazing experience.

Before joining my manager designed me a weekly plan for the entire internship. I was fairly busy completing that plan and also taking part of the Charity Challenge. However, I wish I had more work to do in certain days. On the other hand, some days were quite packed and I truly enjoyed them because they were fast-paced and challenging.

From the first week I was assigned my own projects which were in turn reviewed by my line manager. I made presentations and client role pitches. I also participated actively to both internal and external meetings which broadened my understanding of different areas of the bank. As time went by, I started receiving more and more responsability.

I definitely gained valuable skills from my internship. My presentation and communication skills improved a lot after being challenge each week to present a new project. These skills are vital for my studies and further career development. I also learnt how the macroeconomic environment affects different areas from the bank. As an Economics student, I found the latest useful and engaging.

People at Lloyds Banking Group are very hard-working and knowledgeable. They create an environment open to learning and opportunities. No matter in which corner of the office I was seating, I always felt the same warm and friendly atmosphere. Moreover, all colleagues, starting from interns to senior managers were always willing to have a chat and answer my questions. Of course the atmosphere could get sometimes more heated during important debates about upcoming projects, but this only highlights the input and dedication of Lloyds' employees

On my first day at the office, I was welcomed by my manager and I received my laptop and phone. I was given a quick overview of the offices and the teams I will be working with and I met my other colleagues. My line manager also presented me a 10 week plan which would help me develop my presentation and analytical skills. The plan was very well structured and provided me with many opportunities to expand my network and knowledge. As time went by, I started to complete weekly tasks such as: presentations, client-role meetings, active engagement in client calls and internal meetings. I believe that my internship was very well organized and I was given valuable feedback on all my activities.

Lloyds Banking Gorup invests in its interns by providing them a buddy and a mentor and offering online training. I really liked the idea of having a buddy who was on the Graduate Scheme because I could easily talk about all my worries. My buddy gave me advice each time I needed it. I also found the online training very useful in explaining me the regulatory environment and the factors that need to be taken into account while working in a bank. However, I believe that more training with specialised people from the bank should be provided. A learning day a week would be great for interns to expand their knowledge of other products and practices.

I would enjoy being able to take part in the Graduate Scheme, especially because this is a rotational programme. The high calibre of people and the working environment are key elements in determining me to choose Lloyds Banking Group. The internship improved my communication, presentation and analytical skills and thus, I strongly believe that the Graduate Scheme will fully help me develop my career.

The social scene was amazing. Pub crawls, karaoke nights, boat parties and cocktail mixology classes were all alligned in my calendar. I really enjoyed getting to know my colleagues and having fun together. Also, every Friday me and my fellow interns had lunch together. It was a great opportunity for catching up and helping each other if needed.

The cost of living and socialising in the area was quite high, but not unusual for London. Eating out during work comes at a standard price if you enjoy places such as: Pret, Itsu, Eat etc. Of course if you go and have lunch or drinks at a restaurant nearby, it can get more expensive than in other parts of London. Overall, if you balance your budget well, you should have no problems.

The nightlife in the area is amazing as the City of London becomes animated after 7pm. There are a wide range of options starting from bars and clubs and ending with fancy restaurants. You can have a great time with your colleagues after work and enjoy some of the events that go on in the area.

There were plenty of opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work. I would say that the Responsible Business Challenge proved to be more engaging and fun than expected. I met colleagues from other divisions and made new friends. Also, going out with the other interns and engaging in certain activities strengthened our relationships.