Summer Intern Review

I found the internship very enjoyable and a great experience. Fantastic insight into the financial sector and possible job opportunities post university. Very interesting to see the theories and formulas I learn at university being used in the work place and to understand the relevance of my studying. Would recommend this experience to any student looking to understand the financial sector better.

I felt relatively valued by my colleagues, unfortunately due to issues regarding access to software it took 6 weeks to get the software I needed by which time I couldn't contribute much to BAU. But I managed to gain a very rounded understanding of my LOB and the LOB's supporting it which was a helpful insight or my colleagues.

There was a lot of support available, I was sat on the same row as my direct manager so was able to ask for regular support and guidance. There were also objective setting sessions which encouraged more feedback from my manger and ensured I understood what I could improve upon. Could have had more regular one-to-one meetings with my Manager.

I wasn't overly busy on a daily basis as I couldn't contribute much to BAU due to issues regarding access to software, however I ensured I wasn't bored by arranging shadowing and networking opportunities for myself (as supported by my manager) and completing all work given to me to a higher than expected level.

I wasn't given a lot of responsibility as I couldn't contribute much to BAU due to issues regarding access to software. Although I did have a few projects which were relatively important so I had a good level of responsibility there. However, had I had access to software earlier in the internship I believe there would have been time for me to learn the software and e able to help with BAU and take on more responsibility.

The skills I have developed will definitely assist me in my degree and my career, especially understanding the financial sector in more depth and improved technical skills. I have also received trainin on ym presentation kills and had to present weekly to my Executive Director giving me more confidence for Presenting at University.

The atmosphere was fantastic, I was sat on a trading floor which made the experience more exciting. Also, all of my colleagues and everyone I spoke to was extremely welcoming and willing to help. I was surprised at how easy it was to network and speak to the Executive Directors and Managing Directors.

The Internship was extremely well organised, with regular networking events, a Global Speaker Series, Objective setting and feedback sessions and social events encouraging the Interns to network amongst each other. The structure supported our learning on the program and the transition onto the Grad Scheme.

There was a good amount of personal training and development, there was a two day training session before we started, online training before we started as well as access to an online training centre during the internship which we were encouraged to use. I feel I learnt a lot during the course of my internship and would be better placed for the workplace after University now.

I find the future employment prospects within the firm very appealing since there are so many Lines of Business and opportunities within the firm for mobility and travel. I look forward to joining the firm after Uni and building a career there since there are so many different jobs you are not limited to one area. There is also good opportunity to get onto the Grad Scheme after the Internship.

There was an excellent social scene among the interns, this was supported by planned Social events at the beginning, middle and end of the internship giving us an opportunity to get to know each other. Everyone got on very well and more events were organised amongst the interns themselves.

The Internship was in London so the cost of living and socialising was expensive as expected, however the wage from the Internship more than covered this meaning that we could relax about money and enjoy our time working and living in London. The cost didn't hinder the experience at all, it was still very social and enjoyable.

There was a lot of nightlife in the area I worked since the placement was in London. The price of nights out varied a lot, with some places being affordable and other places being extortionate. We went out a fair amount and to a variety of different places, London is known for having a great nightlife and this was clear during our 10 weeks here.

Yes there were a lot of opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work. We were encouraged to join a BRG group (including diversity groups) as well as sports clubs which we could join for the 10 weeks of our internship. There was also a gym on site with classes which we could get a membership for.