Risk Assistant Intern Review

The internship has really allowed me to develop as a person. Firstly, I've discovered a whole new working environment up in Edinburgh, the team ethos, as well as getting to know some truly intelligent people who are passionate about their roles. Whilst a little apprehensive at first that the particular division I was placed in wouldn't be right for me, I'm hugely grateful that I've been placed here as I've had a holistic and wholesome experience of the end to end working of SWB. It has well equipped me for further

There is an excellent sense of shared values within SWB and LBG as a whole. The environment is welcoming, laid back (not too laid back!) and inviting, which makes the overall experience far more enjoyable. My input and efforts feel appreciated, and the fact that I receive constructive feedback makes me feel like I am taken seriously.

The level of support and guidance was excellent. There were regular 1-1 meetings with my line manager, and having the senior manager present at overall performance reviews really makes you feel like the Group is investing in growing you as a person. Management is approachable, personable, and I don't feel awkward asking questions should I need clarification, as they are more than happy to help.

As I developed into my role, I developed stronger time management and prioritisation skills. A lot of my work is reliant on sourcing information from individuals across the bank and waiting for their response, so adjusting to this different way of working was exciting. I've gradually learned to manage my workload better around this way of working, ensuring that I don't find myself bored or without anything to do. This, I feel, will be hugely beneficial when working within such an environment in the future.

Again, as time went on and I developed more confidence in my role, I was given tasks with increasing responsibility that I felt made a real difference to the team here at SWB. Through regular feedback and one to ones with my line manager, she was able to gage the right level of responsibility to give me when briefing me on tasks that needed to be done. Over time, this gradually increased at an appropriate pace.

Working within the Risk division requires careful analysis, critical thought and the ability to challenge (be it a process or procedure) when things don't seem right. As an Economist, this is pivotal to my university education, as my course draws heavily upon these skills and relies upon one making a sound judgement in often unfamiliar and ever-changing scenarios. Further,

The atmosphere was a perfect balance: relaxed and welcoming, with an element of being 'laid-back', yet also coupled with focus, diligence and a strong sense of conscientiousness, both for colleagues engaged in their own work, as well as those helping others. This optimal balance provided a sound environment in which everyone was able to complete their job to the absolute best of their ability.

Overall, the internship was set up considerably well. At the induction event, there was a clear and informative agenda, and significant cohesion between the conference and final onward travel to the placement location. There has been a consistent effort from my manager to ensure that we engage in one to one discussions to discuss my progress and any potential areas for improvement, as well as a great deal of support from the emerging talent team with regular email updates and a weekly catch up session (webex) with graduates who were in our position once too!

I feel that LBG really invests in you as a person, and creates a wholesome agenda in which you are able to gain real insight into the culture and values of the organisation, as well as the opportunity to see the end to end working of SWB (particular division that I've been placed in to).

There is tremendous scope for career progression within the organisation, having spoken to both graduates and other various colleagues. One thing that stood out was the flexibility that LBG as a whole offers, where you have the potential to take part in a rotational placement in order to get a real flavour of life at the Group.

There other candidates were approachable, personable and of great character. Networking with others in your situation really allows you to gain an insight into the ethos here at LBG, as well as the roles and responsibilities of your peers. It's a massive learning curve in this respect!

Edinburgh as a whole is considerably cheaper in many respects than London. I was hugely appreciative to have been provided accommodation for the entirety of my internship, which was within good distance to my place of work, and of a high standard.

Nightlife in Edinburgh is excellent. Drinks and entry are cheap, and there is a large choice of restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from.

The requirement to take part in the Charity Challenge for Mental Health UK allowed us to spread awareness of the importance that psychological health has on our day to day lives, and how I feel it goes hand in hand with financial security for an individual. Part of fundraising gave scope to take part in activities such as Ceilidhs, pub quizzes et al. in order to spread this awareness, and provided a great opportunity to network with colleagues and other interns as well.