Associate Review

I enjoyed my internship a lot. There is a very good work life balance in this organisation which means that most roles are actually 9-5. Fridays are a semi weekend and very relaxed with a dress down policy. The pace of work fairly relaxed too with no major pushing or pressure from management.

I felt very valued. My opinions were listened to, ideas were taken seriously and I was given a fair amount of tasks. My work culminated in a presentation to a Managers meeting where I was questioned by the Head of Department and everyone told me how much my work would impact on their daily routines.

Adequately supported. I was given a fairly hand off approach which was the right level of support for the project I was working on. I had access all the time to all of my colleagues and they always took the time to make sure I understood anything. My manager checked in with me on a regular basis and was always looking to give me opportunities to impress her.

Fairly busy. My day consisted of coming in at 9am. I would then read through my email and check the news. During the morning I always kept the day to work on my project. Then I would go for lunch around noon and in the afternoon I would attend meetings relevant to my work.

I was given a fair amount of responsibility including leading an internal review that would impact the department. I was also allowed to meet and lead two work experience students that allowed me to develop them. I was not allowed to visit external organisations with a reason or an excuse coming up every time but I guess these are high level meetings anyways.

I have developed my professional skills the most. This was my first time in an office environment so I learnt how this works. I was also able to build on my people skills with Impact training from Kaplan. I also was able to learn about different industry experience by interacting with my colleagues.

It was very chilled out. They have a tradition of bringing in sweets or treats every time they go on holiday. The Head of Department moves desks and says hello. People are happy to meet for lunch or coffee. They aren't horrible people. Although everyone is a little older so that means they will have slightly different interests.

Pretty well. It was well structured and organised with good communication between HR and my department. I was put on a team where there was a grad so there was a very good support network for me. Events for us ran on time and regular events were organised for all the interns to get together.

The company spent a lot of money in investing in us through the impact and influence training provided by Kaplan. There is also an online learning hub where we can learn about various parts of the financial industry. I was also able to speak to senior colleagues about progression and promotions within the firm and to learn what they had experienced.

Decent but you probably need outside industry experience.

Yes there was a brilliant and lovely social scene amongst colleagues. We went to the pub twice a week for a great time and I was going to lunch with my colleagues almost every lunch time. Other interns always met and we organised a number of night outs including to Stratford's finest place.

London is expensive. All I need to say a pint is £6.

It's London. Need I say more?

Yes, the firm runs a number of charity opportunities in the local London borough of Newham. You can volunteer in local schools to help children from some of the most disadvantaged communites build professional skills. There are also a number of sports and social clubs, including the chess club which is the most amazing lunchtime club with some of the firm's most interesting people.