Functions Spring Week Review

I really enjoyed learning about different areas of Functions and gaining exposure to what different roles are available.

I felt valued because existing members of staff at Barclays took the time to talk to me, answer questions and take an interest in my background.

There was lots of support from existing grads at insight sessions and work shadowing, who were all encouraging with our aims and goals. The HR team working with us were constantly checking in to make sure that we were adapting well to our environment.

The skills I have learned in teamwork and communication will help me every time I work in a group in the future. My knowledge and understanding of how a bank works will help me develop my career.

The programme was structured clearly with a defined agenda. There was enough flexibility that when a session overran, there was sufficient margin to realign the timetable and make it work.

Everyone was very friendly and welcoming - I felt happy and supported the whole time.

The company spent a lot of time introducing us to different parts of the business. A wide range of staff talked to us across all grades, which really highlighted how much the programme cared about us.

I found the work shadowing sessions really helped me to understand the day-to-day requirements that a grad would have.

Being in the office and interacting directly with existing members of staff really helped me to get a feeling for Barclays' values. This was also highlighted at every session that was given by existing members of staff.

The week gave me a real insight into the options that I have in the financial sector and allowed me to see directly the possible roles that I could find myself in.

My travel at the start and end of the placement was reimbursed and accomodation was provided since my commute would have been overly long otherwise.

There were two specific networking events to meet staff across Functions, along with many other informal opportunities to meet others.

The networking and social activities were enjoyable. The networking event in the evening was a little hard to find people that I wanted to speak to, since there was no way for people to identify what functions they worked in without speaking to them.

We got lots of information about what opportunities there were outside work, especially about volunteering and charity options.

Yes, I would since I have gained a great insight into Barclays and the sector as a whole.