Risk Summer Intern Review

Thoroughly enjoyed my time at RBS. My placement in Risk was very interesting, I've had the opportunity to learn a lot. The culture at the bank was great, and it's a company which can foster development well. Meeting interns from different parts of the bank was also a good experience.

From the outset, my colleagues ensured that I settled in as quickly as possible, and brought me up to speed with how their team operates. I was able to engage with all members with my team, they were more than willing to spend time answering questions I had, as well as providing me with documents and work to develop my knowledge in Risk.

My supervisor provided me with an incredible amount of support and guidance, ensuring that I would be well equipped for any future work in Risk. He was able to carefully explain technical concepts that the team dealt with, as well as providing good advice with regards to how to maximise my time at RBS.

Relatively busy. My team provided me plenty of work for the majority of the internship. Other than this, there were plenty of development opportunities in the forms of technical learning, job shadowing members from other teams and events for interns to attend. In addition to this we were kept busy with CSR work throughout the internship.

Considering how much experience I'd had previously, I feel my team had given me a good amount of responsibility. From giving a talk at a team meeting to updating documents and creating files which will be added to in the future, I believe the team has put a lot of trust into me.

As an economics student, I've greatly appreciated the work my team does. I've seen a practical application of my studies, use of econometrics, and I've had exposure to coding software. Not only this, basic skills such as Excel have been refined, and have been improved on with an introduction to VBA.

On the whole, there was a relaxed atmosphere in the office. People would be hard at work, but if you needed help they would always be willing to take time out to talk through something. Colleagues were welcoming and would make you feel comfortable. It could be said that there was an academic environment, as the work was very technical. This meant that colleagues were always eager to knowledge share and discuss ideas.

My impression was that there wasn't a solid structure from the outset, and consequently this made it quite difficult for my supervisor to plan activities for myself later on in the internship. The organisation seemed slightly last minute at times, and I personally fell that the HR teams responsible for my specific division could have done a better job to engage the interns.

I would say that it was more the team investing in my development, rather than the company per se. My team put me on a Banking and Risk course to develop me in terms of technical knowledge, and then also arranged time for me to speak to other teams in the Risk department. My soft skills have improved massively over the internship period.

Relatively good. That said, it is dependent on the team you are placed in and what HR are looking for.

Yes. Lots of different social circles and all were very inclusive.

Living in Edinburgh was a very expensive process, especially considering the short notice interns had been given, and the fact that the city is home to a number of festivals throughout August. Costs in terms of socialising aren't particularly high. However, come August and some venues will slightly inflate prices.

There was a huge variety of clubs, bars, pubs and restaurants that catered for every individual. The atmosphere is taken up a notch during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and it's quite easy to have a really good time. Graduates on the scheme also invited interns to events every pay day, which was very inclusive and fun.

Absolutely. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival runs right through August, and provides a great platform to spend time socialising with colleagues. Not only this, but interns arranged regular football sessions after work. This wasn't a formal arrangement, so it is dependent on the interns you meet and make friends with.