CMB Summer Intern Review

It was really interesting and fun and I was well looked after by the team. Good exposure to clients and lots of focus on development through central intern events. Charity day allowed us to have fun whilst helping those in need, whilst networking events were a really enjoyable way to make new connections.

Being in a smaller regional office allowed me to receive a lot of attention from my team. They were very good at finding me meaningful work to do and giving me constructive feedback afterwards. I was pleased to see that my work was used by the team and there was a good atmosphere in the office.

My manager checked in with me on a daily basis and worked with me on the majority of my projects. I had a graduate mentor who also was very good at keeping tabs on how I was doing, and HR also called me at a halfway point to check that things were going as expected.

I had plenty of work to do and there was always the option to do more if I asked. Workload was well balanced and was easy to manage. The type of work I did also differed greatly. During high volume periods, it was important to establish which piece of work was highest priority.

I was given a perfect balance of responsibility whilst also deferring to those with more experience when the situation required it. When I was left to do something on my own I always felt I could ask for help if I needed it, but there was an emphasis on independence as well which was very pleasing.

A key focus was communication - in particular being personable when out with clients, which will apply to my life every day. I have improved greatly in looking at numbers and in thinking critically when presented with customer documents, which will help me in my degree with essay writing and beyond.

The team was very welcoming and looked after me well. Good balance between socialising and moments when we needed to focus. Office was hard-working without taking themselves too seriously, and it was easy to have a chat with people about topics outside of work. Everyone was very happy to help me learn.

Good communication between my office and the central HR management team. Line manager checked in daily to make sure I was happy and that I had enough work to do. HR rang me at halfway stage to ensure I was making most of the placement. Good organisation and information on procedure for central development events e.g. expenses.

Plenty of development days to teach us more about the bank. Charity day in order to understand what we do for corporate social responsibility. Central events in London and Birmingham with the company more than willing to pay (reasonable) expenses for travel. Access to business leaders and graduates alike in order to find out more about the company.

Grad scheme offers plenty of variance in the rotations available. Diversity of opportunities within the division are the real selling point of the bank. I was well informed about the different roles available and was able to speak with people who occupy them. Plenty of training for personal development during said grad scheme.

Everyone got along very well which was good. We were all in different offices but saw each other regularly for central development events. Good to know that everyone got along well. Graduates running our programme also were happy to get involved with the social scene which was welcoming and helped us to find out more about the bank.

Norfolk regional office so significantly lower prices. Many of us were in regional offices around the company. When we did have central events in London or Birmingham, HR were happy to pay expenses which helped the cost of living. Good to be able to go out with the team on affordable nights out.

Good pub scene, fewer clubs.

Plenty of office networking events to get involved with. Highlight was the cycling event with other companies from our business park. Also played football with colleagues on more than one occasion. Cinema trip with a lot of the office. Good social scene with people happy to enjoy themselves after work.