First Year Credit Sales Intern Review

I enjoyed the culture at Barclays and I thought that the work being done was really interesting. I was glad to see that everyone around me was trying to help me do as best as possible. That being said, I felt that the way in which I was tested was different to what the actual job was, and whilst it was useful to look into and better understand companies through trade ideas, for example, I feel that it didn't exactly give me a better understanding of a sales role.

Like I said, the people at Barclays were really kind. A lot of the analysts gave me tips on how best to succeed at this internship and make the most of the tools around me. I think the drinks at the end, however, is where I got to know them the best, and I almost feel like that kind of no-barriers environment would be great even earlier in the placement!

My direct line manager was not around for much of my internship, and whilst she was, I found it hard to get to know her. That being said, she was nice when we did talk; she gave me detailed instructions on how she wanted things done and who she wanted me to meet, so on that end, it was clear as to what my job was. Other MDs and Ds were super helpful and very willing to let me sit with them and ask them even small questions.

I would say I was busy because I forced myself to go meet people and network and also had to figure many things out - finance was completely foreign to me. So a lot of it was me trying to understand and complete the tasks I was to be assessed on. My co-workers did not really give me any extra tasks to complete, which many of my fellow interns were given to do. As a result, sometimes I was a bit bored (usually not though).

I was not really given any responsibility of huge substance. A lot of my daily tasks revolved around looking at the news, moves, meeting notes, etc. I also suppose this was because the actual job requires a level of training I was not given, so I understand. I would have liked to be more useful on the daily level.

As a part Economics student, it was very cool to see how the economy functions hands-on, and different aspects of it. I also have a better understanding of Microeconomics and how to look at individual companies and their balance sheets etc. As a part Politics student, it was great to see how the news directly impacted bonds and the general effects they have on the marker. As a part Philosophy student, I am always encouraged to look at the "why" even if you do not have a sure-fire answer, which really helped me create a solid narrative which supported the analytics of my trade ideas. Over all, this was a great internship, and I am really glad to have had the opportunity to work with Barclays.

It was a great work environment, with heated arguments, lots of yelling, and everything else you might expect of a trading floor. I was also there during the World Cup, and it was great to see people get involved with matches whilst working (even I, who doesn't watch football, found myself drawn due to the sheer excitement of others).

While there were a few kinks, any issues were minor, and Barclays seemed to really know what they were doing. It was quite a nice set up, where networking and other events were set up during my internship, and they encouraged us to sit with MDs and Ds at breakfasts etc.

I'm not going to lie, coming from practically no knowledge about the finance industry, even the trainings which aimed to give us all the information we needed, were confusing. It was nice that they were there, but simultaneously if they were a bit longer, it might have been more effective as the presenter could have gone slower or answered more questions. That being said, after those trainings and my own research, and extra questions I had were happily fielded by my colleagues.

I got and accepted an offer for a second year internship with Barclays, so I'm definitely on the right track. I'm excited to do an extra rotation along with being with my credit team from this past summer.

My fellow first-year interns got pretty close and are still good friends, but there was less interaction amongst interns outside that group and those on my floor.

London is by no means cheap, in terms of housing and food, but it is super worth it - there is no where else like it. We were given an extra stipend for housing, which in my case, covered my accommodation cost, but for many of the other interns, did not.

Not that I utilised the nightlife whilst interning, but I am a uni student in London, so I know first-hand that the nightlife is stellar and not too expensive.

Yes, they set up quite a few Barclays-lead activities, and many of us chose to get together regardless.