Services Intern Review

I enjoyed this placement very much. Staff are very friendly and helpful. I never felt like I was not supported. Staff are also understanding of the potential for a intern to be coming in to the business without much understanding of the specific team they are placed with and set work accordingly at suitable levels.

Colleagues are very open to taking your opinion on projects that they are working on which will influence the bank making yourself feel valued over the 10 weeks.

As a base weekly 1 to 1 meetings were set up to be able to update on how you feel and how work is going. Supervisors are also willing to give you additional time if you require it to help support you over the internship.

The first 8 weeks of the internship work was kept at a balanced level. This includes work from your line manager as well as separate projects that are given. The 8 week mark was when deadlines were for projects. The final 2 weeks there was little work given.

The importance of the projects I was based on was set out by my line manager when given the task. In addition my projects involved being in close conversation with colleagues across the department to get required information as you are not spoon fed with projects which would reduce responsibility felt.

I believe the internship has helped with realising what aspects of my degree can apply very well to the bank and industry as a whole. In addition working in various team based projects I have learned new approaches to working in groups which could help with group projects at university. Overall the internship has helped me use and develop my skillset from the start of the internship.

Everyone is very friendly and approachable. Colleagues are not just interested strictly about work but are also open to conversations about aspects outside of work. Department wide events occurred often, for instance having an Olympic themed event week during the Rio Olympics.

The induction tasks were organised well however the timing was a slight issue for those not placed in Edinburgh as there was not much time given, nor anyone to contact, for consideration of delays/cancellation to the travel booked by RBS. Work within the department placed in was very well organised. It was clear what was expected and when deadlines were. Intern group project work was also organised very well with objectives being clearly set from the start and the group that I was placed in being in the same office working roles with similar work levels. This helped making sure everyone can come to meetings and contribute outside of meetings.

The company made me aware of all development events that were available over the 10 weeks. This is both intern specific as well as staff wide. This meant there were plenty of opportunities to develop so a suitable investment was provided.

I very much enjoyed my time here and would consider working further with RBS. RBS seems committed to supporting those developing through intern/grad schemes. Only downside is due to having to cut costs it is not clear exactly how many roles will be available in the long term.

Yes, events would be arranged weekly so plenty of opportunity to make new friends. The apprentices and graduates were helpful with arranging this. However, if you don't like going for drinks then options were limited for arranged events (at least at London locations).

My family home is in London so cost of living was not a factor I had to consider. Socialising is reasonably cheap. Some local places also have discount for RBS staff.

Plenty of places around the area in London to have fun.