Research Assistant Review

The work on my placement was challenging and interesting. I was involved more and more in the work of economists as the placement continued so I was never bored of the work I was doing. My interests that I expressed in my interview were taken into account and I was placed in a good department for my skill set as a result.

I received good feedback from colleagues on most of my work and a lot of support when working with them on projects which were new to me. We also had regular team lunches and socials which helped everyone integrate regardless of their level of seniority.

My line manager was excellent. As I was the only person she managed, we had a lot of time to discuss any problems I was having and how to get the best out of my placement. She would always listen to my interests and try to talk to the relevant people to involve me with work I would find enjoyable.

I had regular daily processes which need completing, as well as some work which would be less regular (e.g. every six weeks), so I always had something to do. Of course there were quieter periods and busier ones, but I never had to stay particularly late or was ever completely stuck for something to do.

The amount of responsibility I was given increased throughout the year. I began to work on presentations without support of someone (more senior) in the same role as me after about a month, and even began writing my own reports and analytical pieces during the second half of the year.

My excel skills have increased dramatically, and I will use these in my final year of university a lot. I have also improved in report writing and getting my thoughts across in an efficient way. I have also become more confident in reaching out to people who can assist me on many different issues.

The office is a nice level where there is usually at least one quiet conversation going on, so it is never completely silent but it's not overly loud or distracting. Occasionally the whole office will join in in a discussion about something not entirely work related!

The work placement was set up very well. As there are about 30-40 places on the scheme every year, there is a strong network between placement students and so it is easy to get experience in other departments as well as your own, which is supported ad encouraged by all areas of the Bank.

I attended several courses put on by the Bank on a number of things including Excel skills development and report writing. I was also given ongoing opportunities for development in my work such as doing secondments to other areas and writing analytical pieces.

There is the possibility of a graduate offer at the end of my placement. This could be a 2 year graduate scheme after my Bachelor's degree, or an 8 week internship if I go on to complete a postgraduate degree after I graduate.

With many placement students at the Bank, there is a good network of placement students to make friends with. In addition to this, my office also had team fun evenings and regular lunches out of the office.

Being in Central London, socialising and living costs were high. I lived in London for the first sixth months, and commuted from my university (Reading) for the second. Living in London is cheaper than rent and the train fare combined though, so I would suggest doing so.

The nightlife in London is great, but quite expensive.

The Bank has several sports clubs, but I did not find them especially well advertised (other than football) so by the time I found out about them it was a bit too late in the year to get involved.