Finance Summer Intern Review

This was a very well organised internship programme. It really focuses on making the intern a part of the team and integrated in the company. It was a great opportunity and learning as much as possible of not only your own team but the general division, is one of the main priorities.

From the very start my team made me feel very comfortable and a vital part of the team. The work given was not just grime work but also important projects. Feedback was always given and a recognition was always given when necessary. My colleagues also made sure that I understood why I was doing the task given.

My team in general were very quick to support me with anything I did not understand or needed some help on. Then if it was something more lengthy that I needed to ask, my line manager was always available to take some time out of his day to sit down with me and explain anything.

Given the work my team does I did not have daily tasks, therefore each day was different. This was an advantage in some senses but meant that sometimes I was low on work. However, generally I always had something to do and if not it was easy to keep busy by supporting other teams with their work.

A lot of the work done was done independently and the team did expect this to be done accurately.

This has been an invaluable experience and the knowledge I gained throughout is amazing. This has been a wonderful opportunity to be a part of and it has really helped me to narrow my choices for the future and focus on what I enjoyed to do throughout the internship. It gave me a better sense of what I would like to do once I finish university.

The atmosphere in Santander was great. It was open and friendly but at the same time serious and professional. Communication was very easy and everyone was very nice and willing to give you some time if ever needed. The atmosphere was more laid back than expected for a bank but in a positive way. There was a real focus on teamwork.

This placement was very well organised. We constantly had webinars and calls to get further information about the internship as well as learning about future opportunities that are offered. We were always kept in the loop when it comes to future graduate schemes etc. Also we didn't only have a line manager we also had a buddy who tended to be someone from your team that is a previous graduate.

Santander makes a great effort to invest in your training and development.

Santander offers a lot of employment opportunities for its employees. Many spots in the company are filled internally and it encourages the internal movement of people. The interns work for a chance to receive a place in the three year graduate programme once they finish university. This entitles working in the same division where you did your internship.

Socially Santander is one of the best banks. Colleagues are encouraged to meet each other and work in a team. For the interns we are further pushed to network and get along with fellow interns. On the first week of the internship there is an intern day where you have the opportunity to meet everyone and we are then put into groups to take part in a charity money raising competition against other intern groups. This creates a great sense of companionship inside the groups.

The cost of living and socialising in London is very high. Honestly that can be hard to manage sometimes however it is doable. Also wages tend to be higher when working in London so in comparison the prices are not that bad. Also travel in London is very easy so you not have to live in the city to work in the city.

Nightlife in London is amazing but expensive. However there is always somewhere to be and something to do. That can be going for a chill drink or going to a club. Santander is quite close to Camden and Shoreditch meaning that you get easy access to some great nights out in London.

Santander offers a lot of activities outside of work that anyone can be a part of. An example is that during pride Santander organised for some employees to take part in the pride parade to show support. Also there are half year and full year division drinks that helps you meet people that work in the same division as you.