Commercial Banking Intern - SME & Mid Markets Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship at Lloyds Banking Group. The variety of work and insight into day to day operations was incredibly interesting and deepenend my desire to work in this industry post graduation.

The extent to which everyone made me feel comfortable was a big factor in my enjoyment of my time at LBG. I quickly felt like a respected member of team with something of value to contribute.

I always felt supported by my line manager and other members of team, despite being located in different offices across the country. Whether by phone or email there was always someone available to quickly answer any queries I had or resolve any of my concerns.

I believe compared to other interns I have spoken to that my workload was compartively lighter across the ten weeks. My projects did take a reasonable amount of time to complete, but once finished were a big whole to fill timewise. Perhaps I should have taken greater intiative to proactively produce value for the team.

I was trusted to deliver important pieces of work for senior members of team which had geniune impact in the region. In addition to the fact mamangement had faith in my ability to deliver central team messages to stakeholders in an accurate and effective way.

I consider the experience I have gained working in a professional workplace really valuable as I appreciate the lack of micro management and the subquently you have to take responsiblity for your own time and quality of work. Thus I believe I have developed greater project planning and time management skills which will be invaluable for my disseration in my final year.

I experienced a variety a offices during my time at LBG. Atmospheres did differ between places, but not necessarily negative differences. Some were simply quieter due to the amount of colleagues or type and quatity of work requried to be completed. Overall I consider LBG workplaces positive.

Despite some early delays due to holidays, on the whole my placement was well organsied. I had the support to visist and sit down with key stakeholders to complete my personal aspirations for the internship and the key objectives in the balanced score card.

Beyond mandatory training, I felt colleagues were happy to sit down and teach me about processes to develop my understanding of the business. Perhaps, some were less proactive that would be ideal, but I consider it my responsibility to seek guidance if required.

At the time of writing I have been referred for a place on the graduate scheme. Following confirmation by HR and my final degree classification I fully expect to be joing LBG this time next year. Subsequently, I have high hopes for my future career.

Due to where I was located during my internship I often felt isolated from fellow interns. Although those in bigger offices and cities likely did experience a greater social scene. Due to colleagues often have family to see after work, there wasn't much of a social side there either.

Despite visiting different areas, costs remainded farily similar in Central England. Typically £3-5 for lunch and £3-4 for a pint

I did not experience any nightlife on my internship. But no doubt there were good venues located locally.

Other Interns have organised events to raise money for our charity challenge, so they were numerous. Although often located in major cities. I have been invited back post internship to take part in the annual sports day.