Information Systems Intern Review

I had a fantastic time during my internship and have learned a lot. Despite having very little investment/financial knowledge (I was in a software developer role), all interns are expected to attend a range of presentation in the first two weeks about each part of the business, which really helps with the terminology and understanding.

From the first day at work, I was a normal member of the team. They somehow managed to do this whilst also giving me the extra help and guidance that was necessary, which was fantastic. From the first week I was active in meetings, challenging ideas, and active socially with my colleagues. They made the internship even more enjoyable than it would have been already.

My manager was quite hands off with the respect that we didn't have regular "catch up meetings", but he would drop by my desk fairly regularly (more at the start) to check everything was going okay and I had some work to do. He was always accessible if I needed him and whenever I didn't know who to ask a question, he would point me in the correct direction. My team leader was incredibly supportive whilst also allowing me to be independent and work on my project alone.

In seven weeks I have only had two days where I was a little lost for work, and that was because I was having computer issues and couldn't log on. I always had work, but never felt overwhelmed. I could shadow others or go to different parts of the business if I so chose, and no-one said "but wait, what about your project?" because at M&G, learning and talking and finding out about the business is encouraged as much as working on your project is.

The project I was given on my first day to complete over the eight weeks was required, will be used, and is necessary. I am expected to speak up in meetings if I have something to say (whether that's a meeting with my small team, or a departmental meeting), and my views are respected equally to those of my colleagues. There isn't any hand holding, but there is always help if you are unsure or don't know what to do. Perfect balance (which is why I didn't give a ten score, because I could have been given too much responsibility).

The soft skills (meeting etiquette, presentation skills, approaching a problem) I have developed will help me in my degree, and the developer skills may help in my degree (Bioengineering) to an extent, but will mainly help post-university as I am hoping to go into software development as a career.

"Work hard, play hard". As an intern I was never expected to stay late if I didn't have work to complete, whereas I have friends at other companies where it is very much a "the intern must be here first and leave first" culture. I have made friends here among the other interns, graduate students, and colleagues. We have had after work drinks, gone to a work running race (some to run, some to support), and gone for dinner. My manager ensures I have enough work and am working properly, but also will discuss holidays and have a laugh with me. It's a great balance.

In the application process I always knew where I was, the timeline I was working to, and what the next stage was. Before joining HR were in contact to let me know my manager and my graduate buddy (and her email) so I could ask any questions/introduce myself beforehand. They also sent through a list of dates to keep free for intern events. These events were great fun, HR were friendly and approachable, and they really helped us all bond. I had HR catch-ups, catch-ups with my manager, and catch-ups with my graduate buddy. I could always ask to shadow a new person or see a new part of the business, and share any worries. The only reason it's a nine is because my contract came through really late (the week before I started), however they kept in contact to explain why this was.

Since I was only on an eight-week internship I wasn't sent on any courses, but HR set up presentation sessions where employees spoke to us about their section of the business, explaining how it fit into the company as a whole and also some of the technical jargon (which was great for those of us not on a financially-based course!). My team were always willing to give up their time to help me do my work or answer any questions I had.

Very appealing, and I am hoping to be offered a place on the graduate scheme.

Yes - as mentioned, HR set up events and within the first week we had set up our own chat to organise events and drinks.

Expensive; it's London!

I'm sure it was fine but I don't particularly enjoy clubbing.

There are many if you're a full-time employee; as an intern it was more difficult purely because the events had been organised before I joined. The summer party was great and we could go to that!