Spring into Technology Intern Review

The insight week exceeded all of my expectations. Everything organised for the programme had a clear purpose and everything provided value to our week. The atmosphere was very relaxed and comfortable and every activity engaging and enjoyable. I really learnt a lot about technology in finance and the company as a whole so it was a really enjoyable and unique experience.

I felt very valued during my time here as the effort that was put in to inform us about all the types of different roles within the company and what we could expect from a future here was very clear. They arranged many opportunities for us to talk to graduates and seniors as well as talks from members across all departments so it felt like they really wanted us to understand the company and where we would fit in if we chose to return later.

The focus of the programme week seemed to be more about giving us an overview of the company as a whole and to enable us to learn about what path within it we might like to pursue instead of about how to get there. That being said we did have the chance to have our CVs reviews by the recruiters and also a session on interview tips and CV writing which was really useful. The work shadowing also allowed us to get guidance from people who had once been in our position.

The information received definitely helped me develop an understanding of what I might like to do in the future beyond my studies and how the skills I'm obtaining in my degree currently will be applicable however there wasn't much emphasis on developing skills which could assist me in my studies when I return to university.

The range of activities arranged for us was excellent and they were timetabled such that you never felt like you'd spent too long doing one thing. You felt sufficiently busy but never overwhelmingly so which meant that you could really engage in each activity and gain the most value from it possible.

The general atmosphere was very welcoming and relaxed. This was due to both the people on the insight week and those involved in running it. Everyone I met was very friendly and it really felt like the main purpose was for you to learn and enjoy yourself and it was easy to feel like you were already part of the company.

The company ran a useful session on advice for CVs and interviews ahead of the assessments which we faced ourselves on the final day so it felt like they had invested in us and wanted us to succeed. The fact that they encouraged us to apply for internships and offered detailed feedback felt again like they invested in us as they wanted to see us back here but also succeed in any other routes we pursue.

I thought the insight week did this excellently. From speaking to people who had also completed the spring week and are now graduates, networking with senior members and shadowing ex graduates you really gained an insight into what you could expect across the expanse of your career. The diverse range of talks also allowed you to explore all possible avenues you could go down as well as the companies values, giving you a great idea about what it would be like for you to work there and where you could go.

The company culture was often discussed in the presentations we had although it was harder to see how they are actually implemented in the everyday. However, a greater understanding was gained by talking to current employees and seeing what the company offers the employees such as many opportunities to promote professional growth and a wide range of social clubs and activities.

I learnt so much during the week here that I have gone from being very unsure to now forming an idea of what I would like to do after my degree and what sort of company I'd like to work in and what I'd like to gain from my career. This was done as such a broad range of roles and departments were presented to us throughout the week so we could explore all options.

I was reimbursed for my travel to and from university to attend the spring week and I also received a one off payment of £250 after completing the week which was definitely adequate seeing as they also provided breakfast and lunch for us everyday and accommodation to stay in during the week.

There were 2 work shadowing sessions which gave us a large amount of one on one time with employees of the firm where we could ask all of our questions and see what they do. There was also a networking event with graduates and recent graduates as well as a senior networking event. It was also always possible to approach any one after a presentation and have a conversation with them too.

The networking events were very well organised and useful as it enabled you to talk with a range of people across the firm but always in a comfortable and natural manner. There were not any other social events arranged during our week beyond the timetable of our spring week programme.

This was mentioned in a couple of talks and also came up in conversation with some employees when asked. However there wasn't much information about this so a more focused session on this would've been very useful as it was evident such activities were available just not really what they were.

Definitely. I think whatever level experience or knowledge you have about finance or technology this is a great thing to do as you learn so much if you are unfamiliar with it but have so many opportunities to discuss the areas you are interested in with the people actually working in them if you have more knowledge. It is a great insight into the company and its culture and what you could expect from a career there as well as great networking opportunities and chance for personal development.