Portfolio Management Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship as I feel as though I have learnt a great deal. I got to get involved in a variety of RBS related work, from charity events to client meetings. I feel as though RBS really do welcome you as an intern, and do not make you feel like your an outsider. My team was amazing and they helped me and made me feel welcome everyday. I have made lots of friends, which I did not think would happen in such a large organisation! Everyone is knowledgeable in their own way, and I think what made my internship enjoyable was talking to each person about their roles and responsibilities.

I felt incredibly valued by my colleagues, they really trusted me and in fact asked for my opinion on their work. They did not make me feel as though I was less knowledgeable compared to them, nor did they expect me to know everything. They invited me for work lunches/ dinners/ social events and I really felt a part of the team.

My line manager (LM) is probably the best LM anyone could have! He was so supportive, and to approach him was never an issue. Often it is the case when your on an internship, that your often left in the lurk with what work you should be doing. My LM always had something for me to do, he'd also leave work for me to do via an email if he was working from home for example. So the ways he supported me were: - A structure to my internship- each week he would set me tasks, which we would review at the end of the week, to ensure I understood them before moving onto further tasks. - Sitting down with him each week for a couple of hours gave me the chance to ask questions in more depth. - He was always sitting if not next to me, nearby me, so he was always free for me to ask a quick question.

I had a good balance. Although some days I would not have too much to do, other days id have lots to do, it depends whereabouts in the internship your at. I think from week 1-week 8 there is lots to be getting on with, e.g. your individual project and your group CSR challenge planning. Whereas week 9 and 10, these tasks are over so it is your daily role which you are concentrating on.

I believe it was difficult to give me responsibility, given the department I was working in. However, talking to other colleagues they were given more, so it depends on your department. I felt as though I had a say and opinion on the work and team meetings, however the responsibility was not a significant aspect of my internship, I felt as though it was more about learning and picking up key skills, which will then allow me to take responsibility.

The skills I have developed whilst on my internship are invaluable. My communication skills have been enhanced, as I networked with so many affluent individuals within the business. I feel as though my presentation skills and confidence have improved following on from my individual project presentation. Presenting in front of two corporate individuals can be nerve-wracking, however when I go back to university and have to present in front of my lecturers, my experience at RBS will allow me to feel more relaxed. I have gained so much commerciality that I can apply it to any business. Lastly I have gained great analytical skills due to my role, and have gained greater financial analysis ability, which can help me in my finance/ accounting modules at university.

The general atmosphere in my office was relaxed but formal, everyone wore suits etc however we would have dress down Friday. The office would not be pin-drop silent, people are constantly walking around, talking to relevant individuals to their task, and grabbing a coffee/ tea whenever they wanted. However at the same time the office was not overly-loud. Everyone in the office would smile and actually ask who you are what department your on and how long your here for, some would even invite you to their department to shadow their work for a day.

My internship was very well organised. Each week had a structure of its own, dependent on the workload from my internship-related work, balanced with my departmental role work. My LM was in control of organising my week roughly, then it was up to me on how to fit everything in which was given to me for the week.

I think the firm invested an incredible amount of time into my training and development. As it was not only my LM who contributed to this, but my whole team. Even those who are the busiest within the organisation, made time for me to talk to them and understand their role better, and what they think I'm suited to based on my personality and interests.

Future employment prospects look good, as CPB is a growing department, it is really hard to automate our roles. The pay is really good, and so are the job perks, they offer flexible working e.g. early starts- early finishes/ late starts-late finishes, working from home, working from various branch-based offices once/ twice a week (which may be closer to home) and lots of value to an employee. I would love to come back and work here, and my manager seems positive about it.

There was a great social scene between grads and interns. We were all assigned a grad buddy, who we could contact for help or a chat. I went to coffee with my grad buddy every two weeks to have a good catch up, and she was an intern here once which was really nice to see, as she'd come back onto the Graduate scheme. All interns and grads went for a meal, mini golf and drinks a few times which was really nice. Even at lunch time somehow all interns and grads would gather in the cafeteria around the same time.

The cost of living was reasonable, I would get lunch for under £4 everyday, either from the canteen, or the hundreds of places to eat around Birmingham. Drinks would be cheap depending on which bar you go to. My accommodation, was student-style and so was fairly reasonable. Everything is pretty much in walking distance, so travelling around was never expensive.

I never really went for the nightlife, as I had to be in the office for 9am, and I already struggled to wake up, however I have heard the nightlife here is amazing because its got a range of bars and clubs due to it being a big city and so it attracts a range of people.

YES! I in fact went to a charity event at Birmingham Children's Hospital which was really rewarding and was in office time. We did an arts and crafts session with the outpatients children and they really enjoyed it. I also got involved in various talks from external individuals, as well as internal events, trying to attract individuals to different departments in the organisation. There are opportunities to go to London for technology events, as tech is increasing in every department and every job.