Market Risk Intern Review

Before coming to the job, I heard rumors about bad working hours, and stressful environment. But none of that was true. My typical working day lasted less than 10 hours, but a lot of the other interns had less than 9 hours. The HR team also organizes many events for the interns.

I feel that my team appreciates my input in the meetings and discussions. They give me important work to do which I believe is a sign that they value my contribution. After I submit work, my manager and colleagues give me a lot of constructive feedback to help me improve.

Although my manager was very busy, he helped me throughout the intern whenever I looked like I was struggling. Other members of the team helped me with my work, but also with learning about the bank. They gave me great career advices which I believe will help me wherever I go to work.

There was a good mixture between work related events and social events. I had a few regular meetings every week where the team discussed significant events. The internship program also had social events and networking events for the interns which took up a few hours a day. I had enough time during the day to do my work, and enough personal time in the evening.

From the first week, I helped aid the team with proof-reading presentation slides for a meeting we had with external bodies. Over the internship, the projects became more and more important. The work I did affected very senior members of the bank. My work also involved talking to people across the world from US to Asia.

Communication skills are very crucial, especially in a bank. Reporting work to senior managers was also difficult because you do not know how knowledgeable the senior managers are in your area. Colleagues will also tell you what your negative aspects are so you can develop those aspect and be a better person.

It is very lively in the office. I was able to have casual conversations with my colleagues, and have fun. I was worried about the "toxic environment of a bank" but honestly, these rumors were far from the truth. People genuinely want you to succeed, and they welcome interns to ask questions.

My manager organized the internship very well from his side, and the human resources team organized the internship very well from their side. However, there were scheduling conflict between work events and HR events which was slightly annoying. Getting access to important application, data and programs took some time, but that was expected and not concerning.

The internship consisted of a week of training and development before working at the desk. Throughout the internship, we had external presenters coming in to talk about different aspects of personal development. The Bank also has an online training website where employees can take live webinars and read online teaching materials to develop their career.

People in the bank often move around different roles. Each role gives unique skills as well as transferable skills. Senior management tell us that it is not a career ladder, but a career climbing frame. They emphasize the ability to move roles within the bank. The employee development team and the online resources give enough guidance to help employees grow.

At the end of the internship, some people get an offer, and others do not. There is no denying that the interns are competitive. However, my fellow placement students and I got along just fine. We spent lunch times together and went to social events together. We all felt comfortable enough to ask each other for help.

Being in the center of London, it is not very cheap to go out. The cost of living is also very high. but considering the level of pay for the internship, these were not a problem. The human resource team also organized many socializing events which helped reduce the cost.

I am not the type of person to go out during the night often. I joined the team's badminton group and enjoyed social badminton sessions on a bi-weekly basis. This was the nightlife I wanted, and I am totally happy with that. There is a pub right next to the building.

There are many many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work. They range from sports to hobbies. I was surprised to see an Esports social group. I joined it because I was passionate. I was able to interact with people in other countries, and play with the bank's esports team.