Data and Analytics Intern Review

Over my 10 weeks at RBS I spent a fair amount of time not doing anything. When I reached out to team members they didn't give me any work. In the last few weeks I started getting exciting work, which was then rushed. Socially there was lots of interaction with the other interns, with us organising activities ourselves. Being based in Edinburgh meant we were able to go to the Fringe which is a brilliant experience. Also, the Gogarburn office has a very social atmosphere. The early careers team did organise a few intern and graduate socials which weren't great (other than the first intern social). The graduates kept to themselves, seeming uninterested in socialising with us interns.

I feel like my colleagues very much saw me as an intern, I wasn't given much responsibility and a few of my team members didn't even acknowledge my existence.

My official line manager was very busy throughout my internship, so I only met with them a few times. My acting line manager was also busy, but made time for me with weekly catch ups and helping me whenever I needed it. The head of my department booked two meetings with all the interns in the department. This was insightful and encouraging, as they emphasised how much they valued our opinion. The early careers team were distant, only sending the occasional email about our assessment.

At the beginning of my internship I had a lot of free time, as time went on I got slightly busier but still had quite empty days. It was only in the last few weeks of the internship that I became busy.

Not a lot. I was only given one task that was related to my teams work, and would actually be helpful to them.

I did develop communication, presentation, relationship and problem solving skills. I also developed how I adapted to situations and how I prioritised tasks. Despite the low work load I do feel I developed a lot during my 10 weeks.

The office for my department was very relaxed. The attitude was very much work as you want as long as you get the work done. RBS really do value a work life balance, with my department being offered 'summer hours' on Fridays. There was also a big push to take care of yourself and give back to the community, which is nice to see from such a big company

The beginning of the internship seemed very unorganised. It took almost half my internship to receive my access pass and access to certain software, despite being told everything would be set up and ready for us on our first day. It seemed to be very hit or miss with how well structured our 10 weeks were, with which team you ended up in determining what structure, if any, was followed.

The company put on an induction event for two days at the beginning, which seemed like a huge spend. We also were encouraged to take on any training we would need for our position. We were allowed to participate in volunteering days that RBS funded, which was a great development opportunity.

I would be interested in coming back for the graduate scheme if I was offered a position, as from speaking with the graduates in my department there seems to be a lot of variety and interesting opportunities. RBS seems like a great place to work

There was lots of interaction with the other interns, with us organising activities ourselves. Being based in Edinburgh meant we were able to go to the Fringe which is a brilliant experience. Most of the interns were staying in Edinburgh just for the summer so there was always plans being made, and the interns that did socialise were a great group of people.

Edinburgh is expensive, but reasonable for the capital of Scotland. The cost of living was reasonable other than during the Edinburgh Festival, I think RBS should seriously consider subsidising accommodation during this time as I had to move outside of Edinburgh to find a rent I could afford for the last 4 weeks of the internship. Socialising was not too expensive, there's lots of nightclubs with free entry and there's four wetherspoons in the city centre with other pubs offering student discount. During the festival there were lots of free shows, and some cheap shows.

Edinburgh has great nightlife with lots of pubs, bars and clubs. Especially during the festival, there's always something to do.

I didn't hear about many activities that were company run and open to interns.