Technology Spring Analyst Review

On the whole, I really valued my time on the Tech Spring Week in Knutsford. It was great to get some exposure to the technology sector, after very little prior to this week. The only thing that could maybe be improved would be to have either some shorter days or alternatively include more interactive sessions - the ones already included were great and a refreshing change in dynamic.

So many members of staff gave up their own time to come and share their experiences here at Barclays. Very informative and insightful. I really appreciated how interacting with staff felt like interacting with a colleague. Three networking sessions were held, so I managed to get to meet a lot of new people!

I think the sheer amount of time that we spent with Barclays colleagues is amazing and you can imagine that time wasn't wasted. The work shadowing I had was informal and any question was an appropriate one, whether that be if they would recommend Barclays or not/ if they enjoy it here and find the work challenging and interesting. I found myself asking how I could best position myself to be seen as a desired candidate for a role here, and everybody would answer helpfully.

As a maths student with not much technical background and who had ever only thought of possibly a career in finance, the information I received was definitely encouraging and exciting. I now know that I would love a career in this sector and will make sure I can equip myself with the skills (not really taught in my degree) to make this possible. One thing I would have loved would have been some work shadowing with a developer to see what they do on a day to day basis and I can try and develop myself accordingly. Also, getting the opportunity to speak to so many people is always good practice for networking - again I have had limited experience with this prior. Talking to new people comfortably is obviously a skill for life.

The week was incredibly structured. We were given access to a 'Springer' app which held the week's agenda and allowed for a chat forum with other students on the insight week. This was useful for the first evening when we all arrived to organise a trip to the bar to get to know each other.

Personally, I had a good time. The only time I got tired was when we had three speakers one after another and we hadn't moved for this whole time. The cohort as a whole seemed a bit tired at points. The wednesday morning personal development session was really great for getting us all lively. I met a lot of great people so we always had fun when we were together.

I really did not expect this level of investment in young potential talent. It was a great surprise when I found out that Barclays pay £250 for any expenses accrued over the week but we had a £15 tab each at the hotel for an evening meal and £7.50 when at Radbroke hall for lunch. The only money I spent this week was £1.60 on some popcorn from the supermarket. Travel is reimbursed also. All of this makes us feel very valued.

From the picture I had seen of Radbroke Hall I thought it would be a nice stately home with some tech functionality inside. However, when I had the tour on the first day, I got to see the true extent of this campus. It's massive. Rugby pitches, tennis courts, putting greens, restaurant, gym, as well as all the office spaces - this place, felt like a Google meets small university. Colleagues are able to work flexibly and encouraged to work from home in some instances. Everyone had a smile on their face and genuinely loved their job.

Paid £250 for the week. £15 tab at the hotel. £7.50 when at Barclays. Travel reimbursed.

We had three over the week, as well as getting to know each other on the Insight Week. I had, rather naively, never considered making a Linkedin profile before but I seized the opportunity to build a network and created an account on the first day. With most of the people, I had spoken to we had a great, engaging conversation.

As I have previously said, this campus allows for so many non-work-related activities. There are rugby teams, football teams, bake-offs and, from the sounds of it, so much more. There is a pub just outside of the premises which I have heard is a social hotspot for people after work to hang out. Great social opportunities here.