Group Functions Spring Week Review

I really really enjoyed the insight programme because it gave me the opportunity to learn more about the variety of roles available at Barclays. I also enjoyed expanding my network and getting the opportunity to learn about the many functions within Barclays. I especially enjoyed finding out about the role of marketing within Barclays.

I felt valued during my time at the company because all of the Barclays staff members who I met were really polite and all seemed genuinely interested in nurturing young talent and discovering the talent of the future. This made the week fee worthwhile because there were other internship roles available for progression.

We received lots of guidance and support during the programme, specifically in the form of two graduate recruiters called [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] who were really friendly and helped make me feel settled at Barclays. We also received lots of guidance and support from grads and seniors through networking and panel sessions.

The information I received will help to motivate me throughout the remainder of my degree because I now know what to do as a career - marketing within group functions at Barclays. I also developed lots of key skills such as networking and presentational skills and this has developed my confidence.

The insight was really well structured and through the use of the double Dutch app we could see our agenda for the week, which was useful and helped us to be prepared for activities and the week in general. We also got a balanced insight into all of the different functions.

The general atmosphere was really positive and I really enjoyed getting an insight into corporate life at Barclays! All of the people I met were really nice and this made me realise that the culture of Barclays is somewhere where I would like to work. All of the staff were also really friendly and cooperative regardless of their level of authority.

The firm invested lots of energy into my personal development through networking sessions and the organisation of a group presentation, which developed my confidence. They also allowed us to shadow grads, which was great for both my personal and professional development. They also invested in us by giving us the opportunity to interview at the end of the week for a summer internship.

The insight really helped me to understand what it would be like to have a part time role because as well as shadowing grads, we were given the opportunity to engage in Q&As and ask grads and senior leaders specific questions about their role. This helped to decide which function/role we were most interested in.

The programme really helped me to understand the company’s culture because I got to visit different sections of the bank eg BUK and BI. I also got a feel for the company’s culture through networking with grads and senior leaders at a networking evening, panel sessions and graduate work shadowing.

The content was really helpful in helping me to decide on my future career because the sessions were very informative and we got to listen to a senior speaker introduction and a graduate insight into each of the individual group functions, which was very beneficial in helping us to decide what we are most interested in.

I received expenses to cover my train ticket and accommodation and this was so valuable because I am from Manchester and otherwise may not have been able to afford to participate in the programme because Canary Wharf is so far away. We also received a one off payment at the end of the week to cover living expenses.

The networking opportunities were incredible. We met so many different employees of the firm, from lots of different functions and levels in their career. This means that we got a varied insight into different ways into Barclays and different opinions on Barclays’ culture. They were also able to answer any questions we had.

We had 2 networking sessions: one informal graduate networking session and a networking evening at the Barclays headquarters at 1CP. Both events were really useful into giving us a deeper insight into the company. However, there were also equally valuable, less structured networking events throughout the week because we met so many interesting employees who we were able to connect with.

We found out that Barclays employees get 2 charity days off a year and also that there are certain networks which employees can be part of, to pursue personal interests. For instance the WIN (women) network and an LGBT network. I think it is important for companies to stress these opportunities because it is important for large companies like Barclays to strive to make a difference.

I would definitely recommend this insight programme to a friend because it has given me an invaluable insight into the banking sector as well as into a career in the 7 different group functions. There are also progression opportunities, such as the chance to fast track to the the summer internship and this is an incredible opportunity.