Assistant Communications Manager Review

Good insight into the business function you were placed in to and how this fits with the overall company. Although a banking company everyone is really nice and there is no pressure to do too much or too little on the internship. Loads of ups and downs but its true that you get out what you put in - if you really get involved and throw yourself in you're bound to enjoy it. Only slight negative is there were times where I had not a lot to do and everyone else was really busy so did not have time to train me on anything new or more exciting, but as the internship progressed I learnt more and more and was taught something by almost everyone in my team of 7.

Everyone had really nice things to say about me throughout the internship and nobody was reluctant to have my input at any point, they all seemed very happy to have me involved and help. Any comments or suggestions I made were taken on board and either used in feedback or discussed with me why this was not the case. Felt valued at all times in the internship by each member, even at the start when I was very new or at the end when I was just about to leave. Felt like a trusted member of the team and invited to most improvements or team calls.

Although he was in a different office (I was based in Leeds and he was in Birmingham) my line manager made 3 separate trips up to come and sit with me for 2 days which was nice. Even when he wasn't here I had his mobile number to call at any point and he always made time for my calls or replied swiftly to my emails. In terms of guidance it was more difficult not having him in person but he did the best job he could from Birmingham. Had lots of support from my team member next to me even though we were the same grade and she was not technically my manager.

At the start and the end it was difficult to be busy as I was new/just leaving so had to phase in training and day to day jobs and phase them out and handover before I left. However in the middle on my internship I was the perfect amount of busy, it helped expand my prioritising skill and develop it as I had to work around days off and ensure I hit deadlines. Furthermore there were super busy times when projects came in I had to 'own' and complete so there were really busy times as well.

A really good amount. I was given things to own like a project plan, and there were opportunities to be project leader in the Helping Britain Prosper Charity challenge, however I was always able to check in with other people to ensure my work was up to standard and consistent. I interacted with some pretty senior people in my department and trusted to send them work over and to represent my team in a couple of conference calls. The more you ask for work and responsibility the more you're given.

Doing business management means there are loads of opportunities to expand on business examples and relate things that I have learnt to my studies. On the flip side there is also things I have learnt in my 2 years studying business that have helped me develop in ways I couldn't at uni. Simple skills such as developing confidence in my ability or expressing myself in a professional way in presentations or interviews are so useful in future life and when applying for jobs.

There was a very happy atmosphere which varied from everyone being louder and happier to some times being more quiet and focused. There we're never times I couldn't hear who I was talking to on the phone or felt embarrassed to speak because it was so quiet. Nobody was grumpy or too superior but everyone knew the limit of not to talk to you when on the phone or busy in work. Great atmosphere all in all.

Accommodation was organised near to work which was really nice and meant there was less stress on the build up to work. Although nice and good value travelling to the induction day in London was a bit difficult and meant I was tired the next day. Having contact with my line manager prior to the internship and having a 'buddy' from February was really useful.

There was opportunity for two extra challenges to participate in and loads of Webinars and CV development calls to ensure you were getting what you wanted out of the internship. As with most things its up to you to decide how to develop but as a company LBG invests heavily in employee development in the balance scorecard and line manager are fairly flexible to give you tasks that will develop the necessary skills specifically.

There are loads more benefits once a full time employee. The graduate scheme offers placements in different departments around the UK so you can find one to suit what job you would actually like to do in the future. LBG treat employees really well so its definitely the kind of company with a good policy for treating customers which is definitely the kind of company I want to work for. There are many prospects for Grad schemes or just future jobs in different streams.

Having us all in one place (liberty park leeds) meant it was easy to all go out together and come back together. Everyone was in a flat with at least one other LBG intern or scholar and it was easy to arrange nights out and there was always someone to go out with. Was invited to team lunches out and nights out in work which was really nice.

Accommodation and bills were paid for, there was only a walk to work so no cost of travel. The only cost for me was food and any nights out. There are cheap and expensive places in leeds as everywhere so depends. Cost of food and drink in the office was fairly cheap, there was hot food, sandwiches, a salad bar and a starbucks which was fairly priced for lunch each day or just a coffee.

good

Loads of helpful talks on charities or helping Britain prosper, there was also someone on my team who played in a local netball league which I got involved in over the 10 weeks. There is also football leagues outside of work not exclusive to LBG but local teams. The social life extends outside the office with team days out or lunches out and days to make a difference.