Operations internship Review

I have really enjoyed the Operations Spring week, as I it gave me an in-depth look into the different roles Operations plays within Barclays, and how integral Operations are to the running of a bank. Before this placement, I did not know what Operations were, so the spring week has provided me with all the information I need to move forward in my career. I am very pleased I completed the week, and hope to transfer the knowledge I have learned.

One thing I noticed from the first day of Spring Week is that Barclays really does value its employees and in fact interns. I have been treated with great respect and have been valued highly. It is clear that Barclays takes pride in its interns, and want to help us succeed in our career. I have been offered opportunities I did not expect, and have admired the time Barclays have put into trying to provide different opportunities to meet my preferred preferences.

Complete guidance throughout the whole week. James constantly provided us with updates throughout the day, to ensure we all knew what we were going to be doing. Also, there was opportunities are all times, to ask questions if we were confused or wanted further information on a particular subject. In fact, we were all encouraged to email in, if there was any further support we needed.

The skills learnt are very transferrable, since I learnt vital business and general career skills that will help me build my career in the future. I developed my communication, and quick thinking skills, through asking having to think on the spot to ask questions, and network with those around me.

I think the spring week had a general good structure, specifically through the Doubledutch app, as we could see the schedule for the whole week with the timings. Also where one of the insights was missed due to transport problems etc, this was rescheduled and slotted in on another day where we had long breaks or project working time. But the project time, was given back to us on another day.

The general atmosphere was very friendly, upbeat and encouraging. I did not feel bored at any one time, there was always someone to speak to, and share your views on a particular topic. Barclays is a very nice atmosphere, and I did not ever feel unwelcome or as if I was an intern per se.

Barclays invested in us via the usual remuneration, but also through hosting a networking event, specifically for interns. This networking event, allowed us to build connections with people in Barclays which opened the scope of opportunities available to me. Also, we was given a talk by IDG, on followership and leadership, which taught me all about how to be a 'good worker'. We were given exercises and tips to help develop our skills.

I believe I could say that I completely understand what it would be like to have a full time role within Barclays, especially within the operations department. Through the various TC talks, I learnt the how each individual sector works and what they do for the company. Also, I now know how Barclays cherishes its values: respect, integrity, service, excellence and stewardship; and how these are ingrained in each aspect of the firm.

Barclays provides itself to maintain its values, which are: respect, integrity, service, excellence and stewardship. These are ingrained in every employee and the general culture of the company. We were constantly reminded of the Barclays values, and how they are vital for the success of the firm. Every day, we were told of the values, which only proves how respected they are.

The content of everyday was important, as each day we learnt about a new transaction cycle; therefore, I could find out if I could see myself working in a particular sector. I paid particular attention and put emphasis on the particular sectors that I thought I would want to work in in the future. The information provided, allowed me to decide exactly what area of banking I would be interested in developing my career in, or whether banking was for me in the first place.

I was paid £250 for the week, and reimbursed travel expenses. We had to provide evidence of the travel expenses and reimbursed accordingly.

There were several opportunities for networking and meeting other employees. Barclays hosted a networking evening, with quite a few Barclays employees across the various sectors. Also, we had work shadowing for an hour and a half, which was 2 interns per employee and we were given more in-depth information on the sector they work in. We could also ask any career questions and get advice. We could also meet any employees during lunch hour.

We were provided with one network evening in the middle of the week.

Yes, we found out about the various activities that employees can get involved in outside of work. For example, there are various groups, such as, diversity & inclusion, women in the work place, and LGBT groups that employees can join. Through those groups, employees can receive sponsorships and mentors. Also, employees can fundraise in the work place, if there is an important issue they are passionate about.

I would definitely recommend the spring week to a friend, specifically anyone who has a keen interest in operations in banking and for anyone who is not sure whether banking is the career for them. Also, this insight would be perfect for anyone wanting to kick start their career as Barclays provides many opportunities for its interns.