Spring Intern Review

I enjoyed the insight to a small extent. During the first two days, there were a lot of banking jargons, which I do not understand, but it seems like the other spring weekers fully understand. In the informative sessions, the information were tossed to us a bit too fast, and I was overloaded with information. It was hard at first, but it eventually got better as the week passes. The first few days were too intense, while it got much better afterwards. But I generally enjoy all the workshops, case studies, presentations, and work shadowing, so I still enjoy the insight week.

I felt extremely valued during the work shadowing with Marketing, in the Trading division. The one I shadowed was so nice to me, he taught me through how trading and marketing works, what his work does and what is the general culture for Barclays. As he knew I don't know too much about the Markets, he used a lot of analogies to explain it to me in a much more simpler way. He was really willing to explain to me, so I feel like I was very valued during the work shadowing.

There was a lot of guidance during the case studies and presentations. For Marketing, we had a trading game, in which we have to buy and sell different shares. Our team does not know where to start at first, and the markets people went to us and directed us as to what actions we should take. For Banking case studies, there was always a banker sitting on our table, explaining all the investment banking jargons and structure. They gave us a lot of guidance, so we learnt a lot from them.

In the first day, there was the IDG workshop, Inspirational Development Workshop, in which we get to know more about our strengths and weaknesses, and how we should fully utilise our potential and strengths. I think this is very important in my studies as it helps me plan my studying schedule. It also helps me in terms of working with others or in a team, where I get to know when my skills are of use, and how I should use it to complement others' skills.

I think the insight was fairly well structured. I really like how the insight starts off with getting to know more about ourselves and equipping ourselves with relevant skills. I also like how the insight is divided into one day Markets and one day Banking, and Thursday more of a general workshops and job shadowing, and Friday being the assessment centre. It was almost perfect apart from the networking sessions on Monday. I think the networking sessions should be done after the Markets and Banking days, so that we can get a deeper insight into Barclays' divisions before we mingle with the seniors.

The atmosphere was nice overall. The people were really nice, so we can always pick up a conversation with any one of them. We were "networking" during breakfast, lunch, and even after the day ends, we'll all go get dinner, During the workshops, the atmosphere was better than expected as the workshop leaders were really good at engaging the audience. The speakers from banking and markets have a sense of humour that attracts people to listen to them, so the atmosphere was much better than a one-way presentation.

I think the firm did invest a lot on spring weekers, as they gave us a lot of opportunities. On the first day, we already have the opportunity to network with directors, vice presidents and all. It was really heart-warming how all the busy bankers and markets people were willing to spare time to talk and network with spring weekers. It was a huge investment and the opportunity is really valuable.

The insight allows us to understand what it it was like to be a full time to a large extent. The most significant activity was actually the job shadowing in markets, as we really have a chance to go to their desks and learn what they really do. It was a pity though, we could not shadow Banking due to the Chinese Wall. So I'm not too sure what a full time role is in Banking. Though I have learnt a lot through bankers' description, it would be much more clear if we get to physically see how they do their work.

It was really useful in understanding the company culture! I learnt that Barclays really have an open culture, given that we were already meeting directors and vice presidents on the first day of the spring week, even though we haven't even enter the firm. I have heard from a few analysts/associates/AVPs/VPs that Barclays really encourage people to speak up about what they think, as they really value opinion that graduates tell. They are really open to new ideas, so I think I've understand the company culture much better.

I actually decided my future career based on this insight week, as I wasn't too sure before I come. I was glad that I can decide on my future career, which is actually very decisive for me. During this week, I learnt much more about the differences in between markets and banking, in terms of working hours, job description, project length etc. Through all those shadowing and cases and workshops, I found out that banking was more of my interest, so I decided on my future career.

Yes, we actually have a lot of chances to find out about those activities. On the first day, there was the "career expo", in which different booths were set up to tell spring weekers what Barclays employees can join. There were different groups, like groups that advocate generation differences, LGBT, gender equality, a diversity of race groups etc. It really impressed me that Barclays does not only focus on work, but also has a lot of groups that promote certain values.