Undergraduate Student Review

Coming from a science degree, the spring insight program has been excellent in providing insight into all seven functions. (Risk, Treasury, Finance, HR, Compliance, Internal Audit, Marketing). Senior speakers and graduate speakers came to speak to us, providing a succinct and concise overview of what it is like working in the function at Barclays. Overall, it was very informative, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to broaden their horizons and explore the financial service industry.

All senior members and graduates were very welcoming at Barclays. They show strong passion for their work and enjoy telling us about how they have found in rewarding. The work shadow sessions were excellent, where interns had the opportunity to shadow a graduate one on one to learn more about a specific function, and it was definitely a session where there was focus on the intern and his or her interests.

I do not believe there was much "guidance or support" provided within the insight program, but that's exactly why I gave it a "fantastic" rating. I believe many individuals are still exploring their passions during the week, and you shouldn't need to be supported to acquire these understandings. Instead, it's important that you're proactive and ask questions to graduate or senior speakers, and spring week fully allowed us to do so.

During the spring insight week, we were assigned a project to work on with 3 or 4 other colleagues. From day one and onwards, we got to know each other, work with each other, and help each other with areas that we were uncertain of. Teamwork is a lifeskill that is crucial in any industry, and something that will be brought forward into my degree and my career.

Within the time frame given (1 week), spring week was structured seamlessly. There was always something that we could be working on, and the week was scheduled with speakers across all the different functions. We had a fair time with every single function, and sessions where we could meet graduate and senior speakers building our understanding for each function.

The general atmosphere of the insight session was great. Although on the first day when everyone did not know each other, activities and group project sessions helped build our understanding for each other. Following the first day, everyone were happy with each other's presence, and everyone was relaxed around one another.

Throughout the spring week program, through talking to senior and graduate speakers, I gained a lot of insight of how employees here view their jobs and the culture around them. Everyone was very passionate and happy with their roles and what they are learning, and shared their thoughts on what it is like to be a part of Barclays.

Coming into this spring week program has definitely broadened my horizons and understanding for what it is like to work in a bank like Barclays. Each day was full of information and different perspectives from speakers and gave us a lot of insight into what the work life balance is like, what is interesting about each function, which helps us build our understanding of how we as individuals may fit in the industry of financial services.

There were several networking events and opportunities that allowed us to speak to both senior employees and graduates. This was excellent in the sense that we can gain an understanding of the function from different perspectives. Many graduates did roll off the spring to intern to graduate program, thus what they experience resonates with what we might be looking for as we develop our early careers.

I would definitely recommend this insight program to anyone interested in broadening their horizons or learning more about a specific function in the bank. It has been a great learning experience even though it has been a short week. The company culture is great, the people here love what they are doing, and there are many great skills to pick up.