Finance Administrator Summer Intern Review

I have quite enjoyed my internship. It has given me an invaluable insight into the working environment and how big companies work. It was nice to get involved in various tasks and learn about practical side of things. I have built many connections and I am now well informed about what career path I want to take. Overall it has been a good 10 weeks experience and I am grateful that Lloyds Banking group gave me this opportunity.

Colleagues have been very helpful, and I have never felt left out or unwanted. Whenever I ask for help, they were always present for me. We also have been involved in various non-work related activities such as Olympic-themed decorations for office, team lunches etc. and through all that I have gotten closer to my colleagues too. They have been helpful in providing their career experience too. Overall they have made me feel like I am also a important member of the team.

Support and guidance was provided consistently throughout my time at LBG. If I am assigned to do a new task, they explain to me what the task involves and how it plays a part in contributing to overall Finance function. The process notes for all tasks are really useful. Colleagues have tried all they can to make me informed. Only thing that is lacking is that there were times where I didn’t really have any tasks to do, and obviously colleagues were busy themselves so it was hard for them to hand me a meaningful task.

I haven’t been very busy on any days. Normally the tasks I do, are relatively straightforward so I just get them done. But there has been days where I am not really doing anything and I have to go around asking if there is anything people want me to help them out with. Its probably because I wasn’t really given a set project to complete at the end of my 10 weeks, and therefore I am just doing things as they come along.

I have been given a role of Finance Administrator, so my responsibility is to get monthly processes done. For all the tasks I have done, I have been assigned my own responsibility. Since I handle the finance section, on which all data and figures that we put in, is fed into a common system, so anything I do has to be accurate so that it doesn’t interrupt the system. I also have been responsible for changing the template for Business Case application, so I was given the access to Master Copy. Overall I have been given suitable responsibility so that I can finish the processes on my own, but also if I make a major mistake (which I didn’t come across though), my manager has the option to overwrite that.

It will help me quite a lot actually. I was working under Accounting Operations and my degree is Accounting and Finance. So it was really insightful to see how the theory I have learnt in university is actually used in practical work environment. Also I got to see how intricate the finance system is, and how lots of ledgers and journals together make up the final balance sheet for the year. It will also help me beyond my degree because I got to understand how banks work in general, and therefore it should help me be better prepared once I start my actual job, because I already have hands-on experience of working in 9-5 office job.

Colleagues were always in good mood. There is always something fun going on for e.g. Olympics desk decorations, Day to make a difference, team lunches, and different games and little fun activities. Therefore there isn't really a time where you are really bored. Every monday we have a team meeting where each colleagues update their mood and how they have been, and this gives an opportunity to relax and feel more comfortable and it builds great team work as well..

Unfortunately for me it wasn't very organised. My department is one that requires lots of high profile software access that could take lots of days to be authorised and obtained, but since none of that was set up for me, most of the times I wasn't able to do a task since I didn't have required softwares for that. And trying to gain access to all has been a lengthy process. I believe this should have all been done for me beforehand. And also there wasn't really a set plan of what my 10 weeks will involve. It has been about me asking around for tasks to do. I would have preferred if there was actually a plan to follow.

I completed three mandatory trainings and couple of other skill-based trainings. I am also going up to Edinburgh and London to train for a new software. Various 'Briszones' are also held every now and then where a senior employer of the company comes and gives an hour-long presentation on topical aspects and overall view of the bank. I have also had a meeting and a call with colleagues (current graduate-scheme employees) to talk about what things I should be expecting and things that is expected of me if I go on to the graduate scheme.

Future prospects are looking really good. They have a really good graduate scheme in place and it pays quite a lot. Also there are various sectors that you can choose from, so there is always something for everyone. Since I am hoping to get under the 'Finance' scheme, it is one of the best in the country. I get to do ACA or CIMA qualification too and they pay for all the exams and learnings. There is a really good buddy-system, and there are so many opportunities open to internal staffs and lots of secondments and career advancing opportunities.

Our Bristol Interns team are very close to each other. The best time to socialise is during lunch, since everyone is there. Also we have to complete a 'Business Challange' which involves raising as much money as possible for Children in Need. For that we were put into sub-teams within our locations, and by being involved in that has allowed further options to be close. I have made two-three really good friends that I will keep in contact with, and others have also been brilliant. Its a very social and approachable environment, so you just need to make the most of it.

Since it is in Bristol, the cost of living is in mid-range. Also there are lots of cheap shops around too, so there is always room for a bargain. I would say transport is a bit pricey than other places though. As for socialising, there is a lot going on, so it all depends on how much you want to spend really. I would recommend £40 per week is more than enough. Accomodation arrangements is already made by the company before starting.

Nightlife in Bristol is considered one of the best in the UK and I am not lying. Here are so many clubs and pubs and other activities that you will find yourself wanting to stay here forever. They are quite cheap to enter and there is always new events going on. Also there is an annual pub crawl organised by Lloyds for the employees and you can be a part of that too. You can also go to 'Young professionals' get togethers. It's all fun and you really get to have that work and personal life balance.

Like I mentioned before, there are plenty of things to get involved with - daily socials with other interns, Bristol balloon fiesta also falls during summer time, charity challange is full of fun depending on how you make the most of it; for me our team did an abseil event among many other little events, and that was very exciting. There is also an annual Lloyds bar crawl, Young professionals party, boat party and many more!