Business Analyst Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my Internship with the Royal Bank of Scotland. I was placed on a friendly, welcoming team who happened to be working on a really exciting project. At the interview and assessment centre stage, I knew that the atmosphere and working style at RBS would suit me, and this was true throughout my time. All colleagues focus on the RBS Standards and Behaviours to make this a great place to work. The internship programme itself was excellently structured with multiple support mechanisms in place.

I felt valued by my colleagues to a significant extent. My team were extremely busy working on a project and I felt that they all really appreciated me taking on some of the weight of that project. Furthermore, I received constant feedback that allowed me to complete tasks to the best of my ability so that I was more than just an extra pair of hands. I was given real responsibility which illustrated the extent to which my line manager and my team valued my work.

The support and guidance I received from my line manager was regular, constructive and personal. It has contributed to my professional development in multiple ways. I was given weekly 1:1 sessions focussing on my development and quality of work, as well as weekly coaching sessions which focussed on processes and procedures in place, to give me a well rounded view of the Bank. I also received continuous feedback and support from other members of my team as well as the team leader.

Due to the nature of the project my team were working on, there were peaks and troughs in workload which were felt by every member of the team. However, the structure of the internship meant that interns took part in a CSR Fundraising Challenge in aid of the Prince's Trust and were also required to undertake a research project which culminated in a presentation to managers in week 8. This meant that when I had less on my workload in terms of the project team, I was able to focus my attention on the CSR Challenge or my research project. This worked perfectly and meant that I had a reasonable amount of tasks to complete each day. On a handful of days, the project team required me to work on the project all day which was actually enjoyable, as contributing to the team was rewarding on a personal level.

During my internship, I was given a significant amount of responsibility. I worked on two main projects that contributed greatly to the overall success of the team. I was given the perfect amount of guidance and support with these projects and then allowed to independently complete these tasks. I had the perfect balance of guidance and independence, and I knew I could go to my team whenever I experienced any blockers. At first, I was apprehensive about being given so much responsibility and feared doing something wrong, however, the value the team placed on my abilities and the support I received allowed me to complete the tasks to the highest standard and enjoy doing so.

I believe that the time management and collaborative skills I have gained throughout my internship will help me greatly throughout the rest of my degree. Being in a professional environment for ten weeks has 're-taught' me the discipline necessary for succeeding in academic endeavours. The knowledge I have gained of business and banking in ten weeks almost mirrors what I have learned at university so far, and has allowed me to put my academic knowledge into practice. The training and coaching I have received will help me significantly with collaborative projects, presentations and reports I am required to complete at university next year.

The general atmosphere in my office can most aptly be described as welcoming and friendly. All colleagues were willing help and chat with me at any time. The office truly epitomised a positive working environment which I was welcomed into instantly. On most days, all colleagues were extremely busy but this never inhibited the friendly atmosphere. My colleagues regularly shared stories of their weekends and lives outside of work, as well as having a laugh about work related events.

The internship programme was very well run by the Early Careers team. Contact with the team was constant and a week didn't go by where the interns were not checked in with either via email or face-to-face events. The first week consisted of Internship Induction - each of these were varied and tailored to the business area you would be working in with some inductions lasting two days and other lasting the whole week. The induction was run very well, with networking, information and social events taking place. We were well looked after and food was provided everyday! The induction was rather intense, with one of the days effectively lasting from 8am till 8pm, but I don't see a way around this as all content and events were necessary.

I truly feel that RBS has invested a considerable amount of time and money in my personal training and development. The constant support and training I received from my team and managers has been pleasantly surprising. The Intern Induction was very professional and I felt valued at how much time and effort was being put into our development.

Future employment prospects at the Royal bank of Scotland are very appealing. I have worked with and spoke to a number of graduates who all enjoy and benefit greatly from the graduate scheme. The scheme is designed with three rotations in different areas and teams to give a well-rounded view. After the three years, you can then apply for permanent fast-track positions.

The social scene amongst the interns was great, although there were over 50 of us based in Edinburgh which meant that organising and communicating with everyone could be difficult at times. Luckily, the graduates organised a number of events for the interns which were good for networking amongst ourselves and with the graduates.

I was based in Edinburgh, which I where I live and go to University anyway. Cost of living and socialising here is reasonable for a city - although some prices at bars, restaurants and activities are increased temporarily throughout August for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The Edinburgh RBS campus is based just outside the city and so all interns are required to either drive to work or utilise public transport - which incurs extra costs.

Nightlife in Edinburgh is great, especially during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. You will find a great atmosphere at almost all bars, pubs and clubs. Edinburgh boasts some intriguing venues such as nightclubs located in the historic Edinburgh Underground Vaults as well as luxury bars and clubs on George Street right in the city centre.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival means that there are hundreds of shows and events happening at hundreds of venues all over the city. Working hours at RBS are reasonably flexible and so the opportunity to get involved in activities outside of work is good. There are also a number of RBS clubs and councils to get involved with outside of working hours.