Technology Analyst Intern Review

The internship was a great part of my summer before returning to university. I learnt a great deal about the banking industry and how integral Technology is to support this. The internship served as the perfect networking opportunity and learning experience, helping me to enhance my professional and technical skills as well as contributing to my overall personal development.

My colleagues were extremely open, friendly and welcoming from day one, providing the perfect insight into working life. My opinions and ideas were valued and respected at all times. The environment was relaxed and comfortable which made it easy to ask questions when necessary without any fear of negative judgement.

SMART objectives were set at the beginning of the internship with my line manager who involved me in the process. By considering what my personal goals were and what the company needed at the time, together we were able to identify projects where I could use my existing skill set and develop more.

I never felt overworked or stressed out by my workload. There was a healthy work balance that allowed me to start and finish my work day at very reasonable times. I typically worked from 9 am to 5/6pm and was always able to complete tasks on time whilst maintaining healthy work routine.

There was a good balance between work shadowing/gaining industry knowledge and completing my own individual tasks that contributed to the large-scale projects running at the time. I was given enough experience to permit me to learn the banking/technology fundamentals at a steady pace. I was not solely responsible for any tasks that would have a large impact on the bank, this was always collaborative work.

My mechanical engineering degree is not directly related to my role during the summer internship; however, I have learnt some very valuable project management and teamwork/communication skills that will definitely be of benefit bot at university and during my career journey. I was able to build on my existing skills set by learning new techniques and also received formal training during the programme.

The staff in the office were mostly friendly, polite and approachable. Each intern was also assigned a buddy (recent/current graduate) and a mentor who they could arrange regular catch up sessions with. This was extremely beneficial for networking, learning about the company and also expressing any concerns if they arose.

The summer internship was well organised with frequent updates from the recruitment team. All interns received a week of training before starting their desk jobs in the various offices across London. Regular internship events were held ranging from networking to insight talks and volunteering opportunities. Some social events were also organised by the recruitment team.

All interns received division specific training during the initial week of the internship. During the internship, all were also given training on presentation skills. For technology, this training involved an overview of the banking industry, teaching on the core values and beliefs of the company and an intense workshop on Agile working to understanding the practices used in the technology division.

Future employment prospects are very appealing for technology interns - this is a growing division within the bank. Successful candidates can be accepted directly onto the graduate programme within their division if successful on the internship without the need for any further application stages such as an interview or assessment centre.

Always willing to catch up for lunch or after work for social activities.

Commuted from home - no living costs. Travel and social cost typical of an expensive city like London.

Did not experience London nightlife during the internship due to commuting from home (outside of London).

Various volunteering experiences available during the internship. Insight talks arranged outside of working hours. Social events organised by both interns and recruitment team outside of work. Various networking events also organised during the internship.