Santander Summer Internship Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole summer internship at Santander. I enjoyed the community days, meeting all the interns, the relationships formed with all the people I got to meet and especially the CSR project the interns undertook together. Even the work itself was a highlight because that showcased to me a lot about myself in terms of capability. The other interns have definitely been key in making it an enjoyable experience!

It did not take a lot of time at all to become familiar with a lot of people and to feel valued. Everyone is extremely welcoming and friendly and it was easy to feel at ease and feel I am playing a valuable role in the team especially as I was able to contribute my work in team meetings and things I brought up were discussed as they were or importance and not invaluable.

There was a lot of support even leading up to the start of the internship. Regular contact was made by the same individual since the recruitment process followed by contact from my line manager and 'buddy' that every intern is assigned. Once on the internship the support continued with a minimum weekly one to one throughout the 10 weeks. In the first few weeks I had a catch up every day to ensure I was settling in. I was also introduced to so many people that offered additional support throughout my internship.

The days varied but there was not a day I had nothing to do. My line manager and I planned my weeks in advance and it was reassured to speak up if I needed more to do. At the same time, there was never an unbearable work load and the amount of work and responsibility increased as time went on.

I wouldn’t say I was given a lot of responsibility – especially in the beginning. Tasks and activities were scheduled for me and the flexibility and independence to decide what I want to do and to take on projects came nearer the second half of the internship. At the same time – it is what you make it. If you want more responsibility you can ask for it and there are opportunities to take a leading role in tasks such as the intern corporate social responsibility project and even in meetings!

The skills I developed will most definitely assist me beyond university. This internship has really geared me up for the world of work. It has showed me that I am capable and work is enjoyable. I have also had my eyes opened to how your career can change and that the skills you take along every step are what is important. I have learnt some soft skills as well as how to use excel on a more advanced level and how to analyse large amounts of data - all very useful towards an economics dgree but also beyond my studies.

The atmosphere was really easy going and calm. It was not as intimidating as I initially expected and it was definitely not always silent and boring which would not have been much fun. The mood changed and you could get on with work sometimes and have conversations and fun chats too - a very healthy mix

The who internship was extremely well set up from the first initial on boarding process right throughout. Most definitely because of the on-going support and the mandatory weekly 1:1s which ensured you were in constant contact with your manager. There was also a helpful checklist and lots of information readily available

A lot of opportunities for development were offered to me. Each intern has a weekly learning log were you evidence a list of skills developed and the tasks that exercise each skill. This allowed for on-going development and a record of this to be kept at hand which was very useful to the interns

Santander has proved an amazing bank to work and an incredible potential employer. Furture employment prospects are very appealing and at the end of the internship there is a possibility of a graduate scheme offer which is not typical of internships. Every intern also has a buddy on the graduate scheme so there is that opportunity to hear and learn so much about the possible next step

There interns in London were spread across the 2 main sites - Ludgate and Triton. When we saw each other it was always fun there was a good social scene and the interns were all so nice and fun. It was really easy to make friends with everyone and just great to be able to have lunch with them or go out after work or have chats - really made the internship that bit more enjoyable.

London is expensive and although that is something I have always known - I have never realised quite just how much until this internship. Travel and almost everything around this area is expensive but being in London you get paid a little more to compensate for that so it all works out fine.

I was based in London which is where I live anyway so I did not lose out in terms of nightlife and the social side of going away for work. I technically did all the things I usually do in London and for that - the area is a great place to work. Right at the heart of everything

There are so many opportunities and networks in Santander. I joined ethnicity at work and women in business. I went to a women in business event and felt so empowered so I would highly recommend their events. I went to a few community days too which was great! These were all in work hours but outside work activities.