Spring Intern - group functions Review

The spring insight was very insightful with a range of events. It was meticulously well-structured, from the recruitment stage through to the week itself. With a range of networking opportunities, hearing from senior speakers, interacting with current graduates etc - we were able to get a wide insight into all of the functions divisions at Barclays.

I felt extremely valued during my time - from the recruitment stage, email communication was excellent, with the team happy to answer any questions I had. From the week itself, employees took the time to get to know us. We were involved with interactive activities, it wasn't just getting spoken at.

The guidance and support I received was great. Questions were answered, also out of working hours using the double dutch app. If we were unsure about anything, we were able to raise this up with the team. They were extremely welcoming, and approachable, making the experience more comfortable as a whole.

The week allowed me to enhance my soft skills such as team-working (through project work) and presentation. With regard to my actual degree, it did not develop the skills as much as some functions were not applicable. However, I did learn a lot about different areas and the skills required.

The insight week was structured extremely well. We were told details in advance of where we would be based, and roughly the time. A week before the insight itself, we were given access to the double dutch app which had an agenda - informing us the times and events for each day.

Everyone, from peers to employees, were friendly. The atmosphere was great, everyone was eager to learn more about the Functions division. After each event, we were able to meet up and discuss our thoughts about it. For many, it was their first insight into the banking services and so they were excited.

The company invested a lot in us - we were given the opportunity to develop our soft skills, but also gain new knowledge on the banking sector as a whole. Being able to interact with senior individuals in different function divisions was great - as we were able to see their progression and how they got to where they were today.

Before this insight, I did not know what was involved in Barclays. I learnt a lot about the different function divisions, but also how Barclays operate - the difference between BUK / BI etc. The work shadowing opportunities enabled us to interact with current employees on a more personal basis - and we were able to gain an insight into the typical working environment and work they performed.

The insight helped me understand the company culture a lot. The banking industry appears to be very closed-off, and unfriendly, though the experience enabled me to change this view. Everyone I spoke to praised the supportive environment at Barclays, and we were also able to experience this first-hand. Barclays encourages things like dynamic working.

Before this spring week, I had a vague idea of the career path I wanted to pursue however, the week opened my eyes to different divisions - some I had never thought about before. By the end of the week, following the talks / networking and work shadowing, I have a clear idea on where I want to be, and which role I want to pursue following university.

Barclays provided accommodation for those who lived further than an hour and a half away - this was in Stratford which is a short commute to Canary Wharf. Also, travel expenses were reimbursed (for a return journey from the place you travelled from). Lunch was provided during the week - we were based at a hotel in the beginning though when going to 1CP we were given £7.50 each day for food.

There were a lot of opportunities for networking. From day 1 - we were able to interact with senior members, graduate analysts etc. There were networking lunches, and a networking dinner, during the week. We were able to meet a lot of employees, across all functions, which enabled us to gain more insight into Barclays as a whole.

Networking opportunities were fantastic - as above, we were able to speak to employees ranging from those who had just joined the graduate programme in September, up to managing directors and directors. With regard to social opportunities - as many of the interns were based at Stratford, we would go out for dinner etc after work.

We were informed about the opportunity to volunteer and get involved with society - from things such as cleaning the Thames, to visiting schools to help with CV checks etc. The firm also values diversity and inclusiveness - and held events for things such as Pride and International Women's Day.

I would definitely recommend this insight. You are heavily involved from day 1, and though there is the standard getting spoken to about the roles available etc, there were also a large amount of interactive events. For an insight into the banking sector as a whole, this insight is extremely useful.