Marketing Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement at Barclays. I was involved with four different projects, and I was surprised at the level of responsibility I received. Although at first this was quite daunting, I think it really helped make my experience, as when it came to the end, I could see what I personally had achieved, instead of playing just a small tiny part. Although there were stressful parts, this came with the responsibility, as so without those, the best parts wouldn't have been as good.

I got along with all of my team, and they were all so welcoming and didn't mind helping me out with little questions. I thought the work I was doing was important, and I gave my update in team meetings the same as anyone else. This made me feel like I was being valued, and so was the work I was producing. We also met numerous managing directors and directors as part of our internship, and the way that they were so willing to meet with us and answer our questions, really made me feel like a valued part of the company.

My line manager was great. She gave me a really good mix of work, so that some stretched over the whole time and I could get on with it when I didn't have much else to do. The other half of the work had time lines and would have peak and troughs of how busy it made me. The mentor and buddy scheme also made me feel very supported, and allowed me to get different views and guidance on things, especially when I though my manager was busy. At the same time, your work is your work, and it is your responsibility to get this finished, but that doesn't mean you can't ask for help.

I was pretty lucky as I had work which would make me really busy at certain times, and when it wasn't busy, I had long term work that I could get on with in the mean time. I think with all internships, there will be times that you aren't busy, and unsure of what to do, because you don't want to bother someone who is already busy. However, this wasn't a regular thing, and it would only be for an hour or so until I could talk to my manager, or set up a meeting to find out about someones job/role.

The amount of responsibility I received at first was a little daunting, but once I got stuck in and got to grips with what all the projects were, it was fine. It can be stressful with this responsibility, but at the same time, you are turning out actual work that the company will use and people will see, so it's definitely worth it.

I had just finished my degree when starting this internship, so it was good to see what I had learnt be put into practice. Beyond my degree, it has given me so many things to talk about in interviews, and experiences I can draw upon. It has also given me an overview of so many different jobs, roles and parts of the business that I can use when applying for jobs and when actually in the job.

I was in corporate, so I thought the atmosphere was going to be very strict and professional. However, I was pleasantly surprised. It's obviously still a professional environment, but it's also a very friendly one. If your interested in something someone is doing, they are always happy to include you in some way or talk you through it. I have never felt like I've asked a stupid question, and I have only been encouraged by those around me. It overall was a really good atmosphere.

Very well organized. There were issues with IT, but this seems to be the norm for any company and a large intake of new starters. We had two meetings a week with managing directors or directors, that were set up for us, and we just had to come prepared with questions. There were catch up sessions with HR, weekly ones with my manager, and performance reviews, that were all set up in my calendar or prepared for prior to my arrival.

I think the best way they helped us was by developing our networks. I have already seen this by potentially having a job ready for after the internship. I think the variety of projects that I was involved in was also extremely useful. We also had a lot of online training and a two day training event at the start of the internship. Overall, I think they invested quite a lot in us, which really makes you feel valued.

If I get offered the graduate role I would definitely take the opportunity. I think that having such a good experience in only one team for such a short time, the graduate programme with 4 rotations will only build on this more. I already have thoughts of what job I would like to go into in Barclays at the end of the placement, so it's definitely an appealing place to work.

Yes definitely. You have a lot of meeting within your specific area e.g. I was in Marketing and saw them in meetings about twice a week, so you get really close to them. We mixed a lot with other areas aswell as everyone gets mixed together for the two training days at the start. This meant we met up loads outside of work, atleast twice a week, and everyday for lunch. Wihtin my area it wasn't competitive at all, and so there was no need for anyone not to get along.

Accomadation was very expensive, but I had an air BnB for most of it, which is probably more expensive than living in student accomadation like lots of the other interns did. On average, your probably looking at spending £600/700 a month, as even student accommodation puts there prices up in the summer. There is also a lot of socializing, so a lot of money goes towards that aswell. However, saying this, Barclays also pays very well and even helps with paying for accommodation, so as long as your not paying ridiculous prices, money shouldn't be too much of a worry once you have your first pay cheque.

Canary wharf is pretty good for bars, but quite expensive, and there aren't any clubs. But, in London, it's so easy to get anywhere quickly on the tube, and really not expensive, so that wasn't an issue at all. We would quite often stay in Canary Wharf and have drinks or food, but if we were going out then you tend to go more central.

There were loads of things charity based things that Barclays uput on, like Sky Dives, cycle rides, runs etc. Then without Barclays the main things that go on in Canary Wharf are in the park by One Canada Square. After work they show films on the big screens outside, theres a bar there, they have live music etc. basically something different every week.