Summer Analyst Review

The internship, which lasted for 2 months, was enjoyable throughout. I had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and experience multiple meetings and events. I enjoyed the intellectual challenge of learning about previously undiscovered areas and working with ideas that were genuinely new and important. Moreover, the ability to work on a personal project and then present it and discuss my ideas with leaders in their fields was truly unique and something I really valued.

My team were very welcoming and made me feel very much a part of the team, despite being an intern. For my main project, many colleagues from around the Bank were wiling to take meetings with me for my research, even senior managers and heads of division were more than happy to make time for me.

The support from my manager was outstanding. Significant time was devoted to ensuring that I fully understood all of the pertinent concepts, and to make sure that I continued to be challenged and continued to learn. I received a great deal of constructive feedback which helped not only my development in the role, but also the general development of my communication skills. The project was well thought out, and I was given a number of opportunities to interact with senior management, who were also highly supportive of everything I did.

Most days I had just about the right amount of work to do. I didn't feel at a loose end, but equally I didn't feel that I was under any pressure to stay longer than my hours or cut short my lunch break. There were some isolated days where I was temporarily without much to do, and a couple of days before important deadlines where I felt more busy, but never to an extent where I felt under stress, but the vast majority of the time there was a perfect balance. I was often asked whether I had enough/too much to do, to make sure that the balance was correct.

During the placement I was given full responsibility over a specific project which seemed to be of reasonable importance for future policymaking in my area. Moreover, I was given the opportunity to perform other day-to-day tasks and projects which also gave me the feeling of responsibility. I never felt as if the responsibility was overwhelming however; I was always aware that if I was struggling, help could be at hand.

I am certain that the skills I developed will assist me for the rest of my life in the workplace. I received significant support from my manager in being able to draft documents to be seen by senior management. I learnt key skills of how to draft effectively, how to write accurate and useful minutes, and how to present in front of rather more senior people. I would now feel much more confident in going into any other work environment, so would consider the experience invaluable.

The general atmosphere in the office provided a good mix between formal and informal interaction. It was always focused enough to be able to get on with work, but it was rare people were too busy to talk, or that the atmosphere felt in any way intimidating. There was also a tangible sense of excitement; everyone truly believed in what they were doing and really wanted to make it work.

Within the department the internship was set up very well - management was extremely supportive, and we were given multiple opportunities. The organisation of the scheme as a whole could have been improved. After the first day, we didn't have much interaction with anyone outside the department, and the sessions we had introducing us to other areas of the bank didn't cover all areas, and were often not particularly well structured. I experienced no problems with organisation personally, but feel as if the central scheme could have been more effectively run. This did not, however, impact on my experience of the internship.

There are a lot of courses available for all Bank employees. The only problem with some of the courses is they book up very quickly, and some are so far in advance you won't have time to book on during the internship. However, any information or skills you needed, there was always the option to pick a colleagues brain. So whilst there wasn't much formally, informally there is a large amount of skill sharing at the Bank.

There is absolutely no shortage of future employment prospects at the Bank. At the end of your internship you will get a rating, this rating will determine the likelihood of you being able to rejoin the Bank for a postgraduate internship/placement or even move into a graduate role (employee at the Bank after university). On top of this at the Bank there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with not only your division, but anywhere around the Bank.

The EarlyCareers team helped organise the first social in order to allow interns to exchange numbers and organise their own events. Among us we organise another 4-5 events during the course of the internship as well as regularly meeting for lunch, drinks or going out somewhere - there is no obligation to attend however.

I didn't have to pay to live in the area as I lived at home, but I am aware that the cost of living in London is high. The cost of drinks in the local area is also high, but naturally there are cheaper options. I'm sure those coming to work in London will be aware that it is not a cheap place to live and socialise.

As far as I am aware the nightlife in London is very good. I haven't personally experienced it much myself, but others have enjoyed it. There are numerous pubs, clubs and bars, as well as a large number of restaurants, and the night tube means it is easy to get home afterwards. There are a lot of places to choose from depending on what sort of place you enjoy.

There were not particularly many opportunities to get involved in activities entirely outside work. There were some opportunities to go along to early careers events to talk to those thinking of applying for one of the schemes at the bank, but I did not attend these. There were potentially other activities but none that I was directly involved in.