Technology Project Management/IT Developer Review

It was the best job I've had and I've worked in various fields and in different roles. The atmosphere is very work driven but friendly and there is a work to learn culture. Everybody is learning and will take time out to help you learn also.

As an intern for a very short while, I was made to feel welcomed and part of the team almost right away. My line manager and colleagues were approachable for any reason at all times. They invited me out to lunch with them and we also went out to socialise after work. This was for especially for me to have an opportunity to ask questions and get to know the team better. It was an informal setting.

I was given several books and one-to-one whiteboard overviews and lessons by my line manager who is a Vice President. For somebody with a busy schedule, I was very pleased to have his support and time. I was given a thorough overview and targets to challenge me to learn more.

I was kept sufficiently busy throughout the internship. I was given more unexpected and unplanned work to help with a different project which I was able to lend a hand in. This gave me further exposure and I was taught by another member of the team how this area of the business functioned.

I was given a unique project with a particular technology where there was very limited knowledge or experience with. I went ahead and learned the software and met my objectives. Furthermore, I created a guide to assist future novice users to quickly learn and use the technology. I was also asked to complete a handover over a conference call (international) and provide training on a different technology I had used. This was completed with a user guide also.

The skills I learned were based around networking, presentation and communication. What I took away most of all was an exposure to investment banking. I learned what futures, options, forwards, derivatives and commodities are. I was encouraged to learn and given time and space to do this at my own pace. This has been invaluable.

Work hard and stay late (around 9am-7pm). However, this goes unnoticed because the work was enjoyable and the people around you are also working hard. It was also fun and relaxed at times which was nice to have a small break.

Everything was in place when we arrived and everybody seemed to know what they were doing. I was given responsibiliies and an overview of my placement weeks in advance which involved a conference call with colleagues from the London and Singapore office. There was a complete timetable arranged for us.

HR and the relevant team provided an insight into everything that was required (overview of BarCap and investment banking). However, when I arrived in my team there was further training and explanations about that department in particular. Beyond this, I was encouraged to learn more and given resources to do so. I was given the opportunity to approach my HR team for any concerns or resources. I was also asked as part of my placement to meet Directors and MDs. This was so I could learn more about other parts of the business and also network - I thought it was fantastic for them to give up their time to meet with us.

I was offered a position in the Graduate Programme in the following cycle.

There was a rugby event and a charity farming event as part of the their CSR. They also organised a dinner between the interns and their line managers. In a short space of time, this (and more) was a lot ot fit in!

Considering the pay, the cost was relative and therefore fair. I live not far from the area already so I could cycle it there. Being Canary Wharf, it isn't cheap but again, it is relative.

I suppose this depends on your expectations. It is a business area and therefore there isn't much of a nightlife. Pubs, bars and restaurants are open during the evening which usually receive a lot of attention.

There were many opportunities and we were invited to several of these. Furthermore, I was invited to take part in an event which was beyond my placement.