Commercial Banking HR Business Partner Review

I have definitely enjoyed having the experience to immerse myself in a role which was previously a mystery! I had no idea what this experience would entail and the fact that I've got to see such a broad range of HR processes has been a great insight into the world of an internal business function. It has been exciting having the opportunity to partake in "real-life" processes, such as restructures, interviews, colleague training and apprenticeship implementation.

Although at times I have felt a bit of a nuisance, especially in the beginning having to ask for work, I think that on the whole my colleagues have most definitely valued my input as I believe I have taken on work which has needed to be done for some time but with no one to complete it. Subsequently I feel as though my work on such tasks was valuable.

At first I definitely felt as though there was a lack of support, particularly due to my line manager not being based in the same city and having little information of what I was there to do. However after I had raised these concerns, during the first few weeks, my LM definitely was extremely supportive and provided guidance every day, despite being at the end of a phone.

I would say it depended on the day, as I'm sure it does in every job. However I know that when I felt like I had lots to do it was actually more beneficial for my productivity as I was able to take on tasks, finish them and benefit from seeing the results.

I definitely feel that the work I have undertaken was "real work" and if I weren't doing it then an FTE would be enlisted to do so. Therefore I definitely felt that my work was valued by the rest of the team and at times I did feel like I had definite responsibility - e.g. if my part of the task wasn't completed a larger project would be hindered.

I think that although my degree isn't directly relevant to any of the areas I have seen whilst on my Internship, I have most definitely had opportunities that will enhance my skills for my final year at University. For example, public speaking/ presentation experience; note taking at speed in interviews; interview experience; engaging with a range of stakeholders and resilience.

A friendly atmosphere, where people made you feel welcome and valued.

Although I think most of the internships were extremely well organised, I feel as though my personal placement wasn't as such. I know that my Line Manager was changed at the last minute and I subsequently believe this led to much confusion as to what my role should be and the formal processes that should be followed.

I was definitely given the opportunity to take on work that would stretch me.

I think the culture of the organisation is one of the best aspects, all colleagues I have met are friendly and have a good work ethic and genuinely seem to enjoy their job which I think makes the idea of working for such an organisation appealing. I could definitely see myself working in an organisation which invests so much time and effort into their people.

To be honest I didn't really make the most of this, but I think perhaps the social scene was quite exclusive to partying and drinking, which is something I don't tend to get involved in as such. Therefore I think this excluded me from many of the social events, but that's not to say there wasn't a good social scene - just not for me!

London is undeniably expensive but that was to be expected. But as a student already studying in London I was already accustomed to this and it didn't come as a surprise. I think that although London has a reputation of being unaffordable it is definitely not the case and I love the fact that there is so much free stuff to do - daily events, art galleries and exhibitions, museums to visit - and I believe that this often goes unsaid. The price of a pint in a central London pub could provide a whole day's worth of fun travelling on buses, roaming the streets and visiting free galleries - definitely something worth thinking about!

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The business has a charity partnership with Mental Health UK which entailed that there were fundraising events to get involved with. These were probably some of the most fun activities I took part in whilst in the Group. A sports day for all of Global Transaction Banking was great fun and an excellent way to engage and integrate with new colleagues.