Assistant Manager, Group Reward Review

I really enjoyed my internship, I was able to get involved with lots of projects as well as get to know other areas of the HR function. I would not be disappointed if I was to work in Pay and Reward again. I also enjoyed the general culture of my team and LBG.

Very - I was treated as a full member of the team and my development and learning was considered. We had a wide team across various hubs and I was encouraged to meet and speak to as many people as possible. I enjoyed getting to know my team.

I had weekly one to ones with my line manager and could book more frequently if I wanted to. My line manager and team were always available for me to ask questions and I never felt stupid for asking for help. On days where my line manager was not in I still felt able to contribute.

I had a good workload throughout my placement and was encouraged to speak up if I had too much or too little work. I was also able to use my initiative to pick up work and projects from other teams. At times I was very busy and at other times it reduced slightly.

I was given a lot of sensitive information to work with and analyse. 10 weeks is not really long enough to run and deliver an entire project but I was given responsibility enough to help out with other larger projects. I was trusted to manage my own workload and was not micromanaged.

I think I am going back into my final year of university equipped with the knowledge of what I want to do when I graduate and how to do so. I think I have learned loads from my team - both about Pay/Reward and also about how larger businesses operate. I have a better understanding of politics and finance and how they affect the banking sector.

Friendly and calm - there could be some stressful moments but they were few and far between. everyone got on as a team and wanted to help each other with their work. People were friendly and would often stop to say hello and offer to do the next tea run! I got to know people well and felt happy coming in to work every day.

On my first day I had tasks ready to be completed and my line manager/team were very prepared for me arriving. My line manager made time for me from day one and made sure I was comfortable with IT, where to go for lunch, etc. I had a clear role and clear tasks to complete. There was always someone around to ask for help.

I was able to spend a lot of time shadowing other teams and getting to know the different functions of HR. I also went to a half-day training event regarding regulation of reward (pay/bonus payments) which was great. I also took part in lots of e-learning which was really useful to get a head start on regulation, health and safety, money laundering, etc. I met with my line manager weekly to discuss my goals and development.

Good - I want to join the HR Graduate scheme. I am very impressed with the work/life balance the role offers and I have met many colleagues who have worked for LBG for 10 / 15 / 25 years - I think this shows that it is a good company to work for, or they would have left! I think LBG values its graduates as they put a lot of time and effort into them.

Other interns were available for lunch etc. I think there was a good social scene for going out at the weekends etc. but I was not interested in this as I never go out (!). I think there is lots to get involved with if that is the sort of thing you are looking for. Someone is always available for lunch or coffee if you want something more low key.

I stayed at home during my internship so I would not know about the local area. Similarly I did not go out whilst on my internship so I don't know. To my knowledge living costs are not too high if you live in outer Bristol, but are higher if you live in central Bristol.

N/A - I never went anywhere (didn't want to!)

There were graduate and intern nights out (e.g. a boat party) but I was not interested in taking part in these. Other members of the team play sports etc. I'm sure if I had looked there would have been more opportunities.