Front Office Spring Intern Review

I had a great time on the insight, everyone I met was friendly and happy to chat and give advice. It was much more interactive than I anticipated and we got to take part in multiple case studies and networking events. It was definitely challenging but I learnt a lot and got a lot out of it.

I definitely felt valued; it was clear Barclays was taking the week very seriously and investing a lot of effort in us. All the employees who I met at the networking events and throughout the week were very willing to spend time answering any questions I had and making sure I got as much out of it as possible.

We were continuously given support and guidance throughout the week. The recruitment team were always there to help and there were many opportunities to speak with both new and experienced employees in different teams. There was always someone you could talk to if you needed advice or had an issue.

I developed my analytical skills and ability to work under pressure with the case studies. I also learnt how to speak persuasively to succeed in the team debate, and how to interview well. Both are skills that although aren’t so applicable to my degree will definitely help me in my career after university. The information received will help me choose where I should go with my career.

The insight was very well structured, we were asked to download an app beforehand which had an agenda for the entire week – ever hour of the insight week was accounted for and useful. I was never left without something to do and all the sessions were focused and very useful.

The general atmosphere was fantastic. Everyone was happy to be there, and very easy to work with. There was a slightly nervous atmosphere near the last day because of interviews and the competition aspect of it, but that was to be expected. All the employees we were introduced to seemed very happy to be there.

Barclays invested a lot in me, all the case studies were very industry focused and improved a lot of the skills that are necessary in investment banking. We were given access to many people in the bank which really helped develop my sense of where I wanted to go with my career. At the end of the week there was an assessment center and if successful the offer for a summer internship, so the firm was definitely investing in us.

Exposure to many people within the business throughout the week was a great way to find out how a career in the industry could develop. The buddy system ensured that I had close contact to a recent graduate from my university so I had a great insight into what the day to day work would be like. The case studies were a simplified example of what employees actually do, and work shadowing showed me exactly what members of the bank did, although it was only available for markets, not banking.

The speakers talked a lot about the culture but I gained the greatest insight into how it worked by talking to my buddy and her experience of the general atmosphere of the firm. They emphasized how Barclays takes its values very seriously and the collaborative atmosphere they try to foster.

Overall the week really showed me what I would expect to do as an employee in each division, and the case studies and networking events helped clarify that for me as well. It also showed me the types of skills you need to succeed in the business, and whether I was the right fit for a career in the industry.

Everyone recieved £250 plus reimbursement for travel etc.

Throughout the week we had a variety of networking events, including speed networking with some of the teams and a drinks event at the start of the week where we could interact with more senior people. In addition to that, work-shadowing was an opportunity to spend time one on one with an employee of a division I chose, although that was only available in markets.

Throughout the week we had a variety of networking events, including speed networking with some of the teams and a drinks event at the start of the week where we could interact with more senior people. In addition to that, work-shadowing was an opportunity to spend time one on one with an employee of a division I chose, although that was only available in markets.

This was covered a little – one of the networking events was focused on the projects employees can take part in that aren’t directly related to their jobs, such as the military. In addition talking to some of the grads gave me an insight into what else they do around their jobs and how much free time they have to take part in them, but it wasn’t covered as thoroughly.

Overall it was a great experience and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone interested in a career in the front office at an investment bank.