Barclays Spring Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight week at Barclays. All the employees were extremely friendly and very willing to help and answer all of your questions. They were happy to discuss their own personal journeys and explore what they like about their team and specific job role. I came into the insight very open minded. Although I thought I was more inclined to banking through exploring both banking and markets over 2 separate days this enabled me to ask lots of questions and realise that my strengths were better suited to markets rather than banking. This then gave me the confidence to interview for a sales role at the end of the week rather than banking.

As soon as you start the Barclays insight week you feel extremely valued. Lots of employees are willing to dedicate their time and efforts into helping you. We had many employees join our sessions and this was not just junior level Analysts, we also got exposed to Vice Presidents and even Directors. Everyone at Barclays really values the future generation and they want to invest time in you to help you find your area within the bank. Also I reached out to many employees after the networking evening and all of them were willing to meet up with me over a coffee or drink to help.

I recieved a lot of guidance over the programme from bankers and traders about their roles and what makes a successful analyst. HR were also a great assistance and were always there if you ever needed anything or had any questions about the progression of the programme.

They help you realise what skills are needed to succeed in banking and though an interactive exercise I discovered my specific learning style and while roles were best suited to this style. We learnt how to work as a team, argue, debate and present.

The Insight was structured extremely well. On the first day we had an overview of Barclays, a holistic view of the bank and a skills session. Then on the second day we had an overview of banking and the following day an overview of markets.

Extremely friendly! Supportive, interesting, engaging. Every one was approachable and willing and eager to help with case studies and answer any questions for the spring interns. I also got assigned a buddy before my Barclays Spring week and this was useful before, during and after the spring week as they are really interested in helping you engage with their network, to help you achieve your career goals.

We had a skills session on the first day for 3 hours that was extremely interactive and really helped you differentiate between your strengths and your skills.

HR explained the progression route of spring intern to summer intern to grad scheme to becoming a full time analyst.

I found the insight extremely helpful in understanding Barclays' culture as

We had a special networking event for 2 hours on the first evening of the insight to speak to professionals across all areas in the bank, which was great to make new contacts

Yes I learnt about the Win initiative - the women's network within Barclays.

Yes I would definitely recommend this insight to a friend!! Great eye-opening experience which allows you the opportunity to learn about ll jobs in the banks and try and find your fit.