Coutts Female Insight Programme Review

I really enjoyed the insight; it was an amazing opportunity to experience a company that there really isn't much information about out there. Also, when else would you get the chance to go on a guided tour of Coutts at 440 Strand by the Archivist? It was a great opportunity.

This was a week long insight programme and therefore, it consisted mainly of shadowing and workshops. As such, there was little opportunity to actually show any practical skills which could be "valued". However, the week was amazingly organised, we were treated and spoken to like graduates (or just like any other employee) and were given lots of opportunities to meet people and ask questions. In this sense, I did feel valued - like they wanted us to be there.

There were always people on hand to support us, answer any questions and even just show us round if we got lost. Each person I shadowed offered guidance in various ways, from interview and networking tips to wider career guidance. We were also really supported through the assessment exercises we completed. I actually quite enjoyed the assessment centre - it wasn't as scary as I thought because we'd been given so much advice beforehand.

My networking skills really developed as a result of this insight week. This will stand me in good stead whenever I meet new people in a professional environment in future. As someone that studies accounting and finance, finding out more about the banking sector will definitely influence my choice of options in the next few years of my degree.

Overall, very well structured. There were chances for networking and shadowing different people in different departments. I was given the opportunity to visit different departments which was great. We also had the opportunity to visit RBS Gogarburn in Edinburgh for an introduction on the Monday - this was an amazing experience. The only thing I'd say is that some of the shadowing sessions were quite long, particularly when the person I was shadowing just had general admin to do. It was great talking to them but it would have been better to, for example, experience a few more client meetings.

Everyone was really friendly; I felt at ease and like I could chat to anyone! It was also fairly relaxed. Despite this, it was really good to have an insight into a real professional and corporate environment.

We were only there for four days so 'training' was limited. However, there was still opportunity for personal development. Various workshops throughout the week enabled the developed of wider employability skills. 'Networking' on day 1 was really useful because I could draw upon those skills throughout the week. We also had a workshop on the diversity of communication - it was interesting to learn a bit about work psychology.

I was assigned a buddy who was on the grad scheme so I got to talk to her about her experiences, which gave me a real insight into what it's like to have a place on the scheme. I spoke to so many people in so many different areas about their roles so got a pretty good idea of what is involved in the different roles available. I also found out lots about the great potential for promotion.

I knew little about Coutts prior to the insight since there is little information about the company. However, the insight gave me a great understanding of what the culture is like. It is very inclusive - I was able to speak to people at all different levels - and friendly. Clients are certainly at the heart and this was really nice to see. The people that work there are extremely passionate and have a real pride in the brand. It also feels very supportive, in terms of individual career aspirations and personal development.

I wanted to apply to this programme to see what banking was like - since I had no idea what I wanted to do in future. The experience gave me a much greater understanding of not only the work of private bankers, but also the wide variety of other roles available in such a firm. Banking is now something that I am seriously considering. There is definitely a role within this company that I would enjoy and find really interesting.

So many opportunities for networking. I met so many people through shadowing and being introduced to colleagues that I struggled to remember everyone's names!

There were some lovely events planned as part of this week. There was a networking evening with drinks and nibbles - it made me feel really welcome and was really nice to speak to people at various levels in a really relaxed environment. I also went out for lunch with the other people on the programme and our buddies - it was nice to get to know everyone on a different level out of the office. Our buddies were or had been on the grad scheme and were able to answer our questions truthfully and from first hand experience.

This wasn't really a main focus during the week but we were introduced to RBS Women and Coutts' drive on equality which various employees were involved in aside from their main role.

Yes 100% - it was a great week. I've never done anything like this before so I was quite nervous. However, now I feel much more confident. My networking, interview and assessment centre skills have all improved and I learnt a lot about the business. I met some lovely people on the programme, particularly the other people on it with me, who I have been in touch with since. Would highly recommend.