Technology Spring Analyst Review

The insight week has been really enjoyable as the people on the programme have been so friendly. Barclays ensures that the week includes lots of opportunities for you to speak to members at different levels of responsibility to gain an insight into working in the technology industry and also for Barclays.

Barclays have spent a lot of time and effort to ensure that we have been given lots of opportunities such as work shadowing, skills sessions, office tours and networking sessions. Katie and Rachel have been really encouraging and helpful if you have any issues. All members of Radbrooke that I have spoken to have been happy to answer any questions and provide advice.

The insight week includes different skills sessions such as leadership and personal branding. However we have also been given the flexibility to work on our own projects. I do think that with a lot of the sessions you did not really need significant guidance/support, especially speaker sessions as you are mainly listening or asking questions.

The skills sessions can really help if you are unsure about how to write a CV as well as advice on how to behave in the workplace. We also received financial markets training so that those without a finance background could understand Barclays' role in the finance industry and how that affects the economy.

The insight was really well-structured and we were provided with an app which gave us an agenda that told us in advance what sessions we would be having in the week. Many breaks were scheduled throughout the day and the days were mainly beginning at nine o'clock and finishing in the afternoon at five o'clock which allowed us to experience what it is like to work a regular job.

The atmosphere was a good balance between friendly and relaxed but also being professional. Staying at a hotel with the other students allowed us to socialise outside of the insight times and so we really got a long, creating a friendly and fun atmosphere. The programme leaders were also really friendly and welcoming.

Lots of time and money to ensure that the week is helpful.

The insight enabled you to ask many questions about working at Barclays.

The insight enabled you to work on campus with other employees and therefore understand what it is like working on a campus rather than in a city.

The spring week consisted on varying activities and sessions which not only enabled you to ask any questions you wanted to ask but also allowed you to speak to people who worked in many different areas in the bank including technical and non-technical roles. The in-deph understanding that you receive will ensure that you understand whether you are right or not for a career in tech.

Travel costs are reimbursed and at the Radbroke Spring Week, everyone was offered the chance to stay in the Cottons Hotel and Spa regardless of whether they lived close or far away. Dinner and breakfast was provided at the hotel and we were given an allowance to spend in their cafes and restaurants for lunch and throughout the day.

After every presentation you were given time to ask questions as well as set time to network.

There were many networking opportunities. The spring week included two speed-dating type sessions, one with current graduates and another with more senior employees. This enabled you to ask many questions and really understand what it is like working for Barclays and in the technology industry. We also had a networking evening where there was food and drinks provided to make a really nice evening.

Speaking to current employees at Radbroke allowed us to ask them about working here and how they spend their lunches. At Radbroke you can really benefit from the space as they have a football field and a gym. Therefore many employees spend their lunches or stay after work in order to part take in classes. The grounds are really pretty and so many employees go on walks around the campus.

This insight week is probably one of the best ways you can spend your Easter break. Barclays ensures that you are able to attend the week by covering travel, hotel and food costs. If you are unsure of what you want to do for your career than this is an easy way to have an insight into the technology industry to help you decide.