Trading and Strucuting Intern Review

The time spent over the summer was invaluable both from a learning perspective but even as a job it was engaging and interesting and allowed a real insight into the work the bank does and how the different desks operate. It was a very enjoyable experience with an engaging intern class and management system.

Opinions and work was always treated with the same appreciation and respect as fulltime colleagues. While improvements were often offered it was done so in a beneficial way rather than dismissive as to help you improve. Time was taken to review any thing submitted and your presence was always recognized and engaged.

Management was always open for meetings and questions with plenty of time spent offering advice on both career guidance and desk related work. Management was always trying to engage you in both the bank and their role within it. There was an active interest in finding the right fit in both directions.

It changed day on day depending on the business of the desk and market flow. Some days was mostly project work others it was sitting with traders but there was always something to do.

With context to the work there was a good balance of trust and support with guiding project work in my own direction as well as meeting spec. You had a lot of control over the delivery and features of projects with the often offering a broad scope but with clarification easily available if needed. The buddy system helped with this.

The main area improved is an understanding and curiosity in the connections of market interrelations and events. While less hard skills this can then be applied to any financial role in the future. There were more technical skill developed in excel but these were more compounding on expected knowledge rather than new learning of skills.

On the trading floor it is loud, fast passed and exciting. The general feel is lively and energetic with everyone focused on their work but also engaging across the floor.

The HR team did a good job of ensuring the internship ran well and that we were well informed of what to expect and when. This was added too by regular updates and reminders to ensure we were aware of expectations and events. They were also easily available for questions throughout the internship.

There were number of formal and informal training opportunities throughout form organized lectures to on the desk learning. People were always happy to answer questions about their work and help you learn as well as point you in the direction of valuable resources. The materials provided were comprehensive and appropriate for a wide audience.

There seemed ample opportunity to find an appropriate desk and engage with other teams. Future wise there was a large emphasis on selling company back to the interns as they were looking for investment rather than just filling desks. This also then extends to the fact that if you performed well there would be space found.

The interns happily went out with each other and socialized both in and out of work. Overall it was a comprehensive and well connected network of like minded people that took full advantage of the opportunities to meet up both during the work day and after work around canary wharf.

The London prices were to be expected and while high it was nothing out of the ordinary or exuberant.

The bars were generally well populated after work and there was always opportunity to find something to do throughout the internship.

Work activities were available but you did seem to have to put the effort into find them rather tan being actively engaged.