Governance and Control Analyst (Summer Intern) Review

I really enjoyed my internship; it gave me a great insight into Barclays and how the company works. I was fortunate enough to work with several teams, enabling me to see how different areas of the bank functioned and to get involved with some great projects that will help leadership even after I have left. It was not as challenging as I expected but this may be the area in which I was sat, which did not require as much financial knowledge as other roles.

I definitely felt valued by my colleagues, with my opinions given real weight, even among senior leadership. My team members were also incredibly welcoming and included me in events and lunches even though I was new and not a permanent colleague. Directors were also happy - where it could fit into their diary - to make time to speak with you,

I had weekly one to ones with two different managers enabling me to assess whether I was on track regularly. Moreover, it was made clear to me that I could approach all of my managers for help and assistance whenever I needed it. I did not feel as though any additional guidance was necessary as I was given clear targets each week for my work and knew what was expected of me.

For the first week I did not do too much work since I was waiting for the IT systems to be uploaded and also had to complete online mandatory training which took the best part of 2 days to complete. However following this I was given several projects which generally kept me busy all day. There were also talks and presentations a couple of times a week to attend and meetings. I found on one or two days that I was not that busy but that was simply due to having to wait to hear back from people to be able to continue with my projects so I just edited my work or helped a team member.

Considering I was a summer intern I was afforded a lot of responsibility, carrying out an individual research project which then culminated in a report which served to help senior leaders complete an assessment. Moreover, I attended leadership meetings and Councils and was encouraged to speak up and have my say. I also was encouraged to take the lead on conference calls.

The training I received was geared towards Barclays' employees and so would not assist me in my studies. However, it would certainly help should I return to the company after graduation. Nevertheless, the speaking and presentation skills I developed will definitely help me both in university and beyond as it helped to develop my confidence too. I also imagine that the training as a grad would be more comprehensive due to time frame constraints.

The atmosphere in my office was very nice; people were focused on their work but happy for you to interrupt to ask a question. Moreover, chats would occasionally break out discussing lunch plans or weekend activities which was nice and it was never frowned upon to have these during work hours - so long as you were not missing an important call/meeting. The atmosphere was calm too - largely because it was never full since many people work from home a couple of days a week.

The internship was well organised; before it started we were well instructed about how to onboard (give personal details and receive role), and on the first two days a conference room was hired out for all the interns to be inducted. We were then all collected by a team member on the third day and shown to our floor of the building and given a seat and IT equipment to get set up. Throughout the internship, events were then put on for networking and learning about Barclays.

In terms of personal training and development, not that much was invested in us by the company; we just had to complete the standardised training and beyond that it was whatever the team thought was important that we learn. Nevertheless, speaking to current graduates, they invest a lot more in you once you join as a graduate since you are here for longer and need a higher set of skills - for instance, you are sponsored for a professional qualification, should you wish to do it.

Due to restructuring, the precise structure of the graduate scheme is currently unclear but employment prospects after completing the graduate scheme appear good; they intend for you to roll off the scheme as an Assistant Vice President and the ability to then progress from there is very good. There are many young VPs and Directors in the company which shows you what is possible. They also recompense their employees very well, with extra perks.

Yes the interns all go out at least once a week for drinks together which is nice to unwind. There is also always someone to go to lunch with. My team also had a standing Friday lunch engagement at a nearby food market and I was invited to join them from the very first week. A leaving party is also arranged for all of the interns.

The cost of living in Canary Wharf (or nearby) is understandably very high but there is a generous accommodation allowance which covers a nice place in a short commuting distance. The allowance is also paid even if you live at home. Socialising can also be expensive but there are cheaper bars and restaurants around and bringing in your own lunch is cheaper than eating in the canteen - and there are microwaves on that floor so you may still eat with your friends.

Nightlife in Canary Wharf consists of bars and a few restaurants as opposed to clubs. Therefore it is nice for a drink or two after work but if you wanted to party you would need to travel closer to Central London.

There were a couple of networking events happening either before or after work and invitations to tour another building but as an intern no invitations were extended to join sports teams or anything like that, However, as far as I am aware, there are many sports teams for graduates to join so as a permanent employee there may be more activities outside of work.