Santander UK Intern - T&O Review

I enjoyed my internship. There was no really negative aspect for me. It is not the position for me I think, but I have still learned a lot about myself in regards to my professional ambitions. This alone makes it worthwhile. In the meantime I was able to enjoy myself in the company of warm and outgoing people, and in a company where you receive a strong impression that they care about your professional career.

I felt valued in that they tried to involve me and planned work for me. I should have been more persistent with trying to get involved during the quiet periods, because if I don't ask people won't always come to me.

My manager set aside the scheduled amount of time for meetings with me every week. We talked frankly about my progression and he gave me critical and well-thought feedback which I was very pleased to hear.

It changed from day to day.. Some weeks were much busier than others, some weeks I had very little to do. This is the reality of a non-permanent position I think. The work is there, you just have to show a consistent level of keenness to get involved.

I was left to run whatever tasks I did actually get on with.

I have learned a fair bit about Excel since being in the position. I also spent the time being involved in a CSR project, and just that team interaction was a big thing, especially when trying to compete while working within a business's restrictions. The most important thing I have picked up while here is exposure to business. All the small things, just understanding the etiquette and way things are done.

The office was very relaxed. At the least everybody's behaviour was. It is a financial services firm, and people dress accordingly. But in my department, the people are familiar and easy to talk to. People get involved with each other and build relationships - not just clock in with your head down. Still you have make the effort also, if you want to be part of this. My intern group held two office events to raise money for charity. For both of these, nearly every person in the office was involved. It was very nice to see the engagement and relaxed nature of the company - one of my highlights here.

There are two parts to this. The HR side and the department side. HR were very much on the ball when it came to taking care of the interns interests and having planned this internship. The department were also prepared for you to integrate but this will differ by department, my experience was positive. The only problem came from setting up access to emails, intranet, and softwares. I believe I am an outlier from the group of 74 interns this year, and that only 1 or 2 others from the group took 30% of the internship to have access to all this - like myself.

In week 1 we were invited to 2 off-site events to integrate with the rest of the interns and get up to speed with knowledge about the business. We were challenged in groups to raise as much money as possible for the charity partners (Development for us working in groups, with the added benefit of serving CSR). The business organised 3 webinars. My manager spent time every week discussing progress with me. Overall I felt like there was a significant amount of investment in us.

To someone interested in Technology and Operations within a financial services firm, future prospects are appealing. I can only speak for myself and what I value in a job. Santander has a positive atmosphere - in my office - and what seems to be a genuine commitment to its staff. These points are particularly important to me. Should I be offered the right type of role here I would genuinely consider accepting it.

Yes, just make the effort to get involved. The interns went out every Friday as a group.

In London it is uncommon to find a room for cheaper than £500 a month. Your cost of living is dependant on how you spend, but there are cheaper options.

I worked in Zone 1 in London. It is easy to get out of work and get to some bars and restaurants. But I prefer to travel a little East. Even then, Shoreditch is <20 minutes away.

I didn't see any open invitations to join. I did play some sports and do some other general socialising but it came mostly through talking to my colleagues and asking to make plans.