Contractor - Assistant Manager Review

General work within the internship was really good - first two weeks were relatively slow due to online training courses, but I was soon finding multiple tasks within the department and asking other members for work throughout the internship. Very friendly and relaxed environment, with work tailored to my interests.

I felt quite valued in terms of expertise of using Excel and general programming in the past - the team members treated me as though I was a new, regular team member, and everyone was very nice and willing to help in any scenario. A lovely team that I would be happy to work with again!

I was provided with quite a lot of support from colleagues - from basic understanding of tax to the complex ideas in different segments within taxation. Everyone nearby was always willing to help with the many questions I had, and I would only choose to progress in work once I understood what my targets for the task were.

There were some days where I was not busy, which made certain days much slower than others. I was sometimes provided filler tasks to fill up the time gaps, but generally if I was assigned to a project I was willing to participate and try my hardest in the topic.

I was often left to do my own work, most times at my own pace. Most tasks were normal administrative tasks that needed to be done, but general projects were highly involving and required a lot of responsibility. Would sometimes get checked up on by colleagues, but otherwise it was solely my responsibility.

A lot of the skills - mainly excel development - will not assist me with my degree, but I believe my career in finance will be boosted by the technical skills at my time spent here! Online courses were a big incentive and provided many skills, though not directly linking to my work itself. AlphaTax will have limited uses outside of this role - unless I proceed to work in a tax role in the future.

Very relaxed atmosphere, would have preferred if there was some sort of music playing in the background but there was no restrictions with regards to how you took breaks and how much work you did (so long as the goal is complete in the future). Everyone was very relaxed and willing to talk when conversations occurred.

I feel the internship could have been set up a bit better - general technical issues experienced throughout the internship, and some parts of it felt like I was not working on an important task (more like a filler task). The projects were really fun, when they were available to do.

They provided fortnightly tasks that would allow for development in regards to LBG's ideas, but you could also conduct your own form of learning either within or outside the workplace, which provided flexible opportunities to develop in the interests you hold. Incentivised to help improve both soft and hard skills.

I would love to work within the company again! It would be nice to visit / work within other departments and develop my skills within those areas, but it is nice to learn about processes thoroughly and meet people with a strong passion for finance and their overall working area.

A lot of the time there were social opportunities among the other interns (every weekend), and there were company events which would provide social opportunities. It was relatively fun to attend them, but for myself the constant noise occurring until 4am and general cleanliness of my other flatmates was not the best thing to experience.

Did not have to pay for rent, which was really good! The fringe was on during my time in Edinburgh, which has given me many opportunities to experience diverse events that I would have never seen otherwise, and general costs were low. It's a wonderful city full of many activities!

There was quite a lot of clubs available, but in my own experience I did not attend too many nightclubs / night life social events. It seemed fun for the times that I did go out into the city, however night life does not appeal to me as much as other students.

Yes - with the fringe going on in Edinburgh and the International festival too, there was many opportunities to experience events outside of work! There wasn't a heavy amount of work that would cause you to work too much, but there was enough to allow work to be engaging whilst providing opportunities to explore the city.