Compliance and Operational Risk Intern Review

My internship was very enjoyable. Not only was the work challenging and interesting, but the environment here at the bank was friendly, encouraging and sociable. As well as the work aspect of the internship, the social side was great too. The events organised by the Junior Talent team were fun and different.

I felt very valued by my colleagues. I was never made to feel like 'just an intern'. My colleagues were supportive and encouraging which I really appreciated. They looked out for me and motivated me daily. I'm grateful that my colleagues trusted me to work independently on projects as well.

My manager and director were super supportive. They ensured that I was getting every thing I needed out of the internship on a day to day basis. Furthermore, if I was confused about anything in particular to do with my project, my director made sure I was able to get the right information to ensure I was on the right path.

Everyday was varied. For the most part, I was kept busy with networking, intern events and the projects I worked on. However, there were some slow days where there was not much to do, especially due to the fact that my internship took place in summer and people were often away on holiday.

I believe I was given a good amount of responsibility. I was given enough responsibility to feel challenged, to be able to learn and also to be able to feel useful as it were. However, I was not given too much responsibility to the point where I would feel overwhelmed.

I believe the skills I picked up here will be helpful when I enter the working world properly as I developed my people skills greatly during my time at the bank. In addition to this, the training received on how the bank operates will prove useful in modules I take in my economics degree.

The general atmosphere was generally quite relaxed. Everyone there seemed to enjoy being there. As well as this, people were very friendly and sociable at the bank. This made it nice to work here and there were positive vibes throughout the internship. The atmosphere was pleasing, encouraging and uplifiting too.

The internship was well organised and put together. There was a clear schedule as to what events were coming up and so as interns we were well informed as to what to expect over the summer. Nonetheless, I think I would have appreciated being able to rotate at different desks.

There was a lot of training to do during this internship. As well as this there were a few seminars under the 'Learning Series' in which the interns learnt about a variety of different themes that are important to the bank such as Mindfulness and Diveristy and Inclusion. Therefore I can say the bank really invested in my development in areas other than financial expertise, which I am grateful for.

I would definitely love to come back to this bank. Future employment prospects here are super appealing. I believe this would be a great first full time job to step in to. The opportunities for growth and progress here are so vast and I'd be happy working here I think.

The interns in my division were so sociable and friendly and over the summer we all became good friends. I also socialised with interns from other areas of the bank which was really easy to do as everyone is so approachable and keen to meet new people. The graduates on the grad scheme were also great to meet as they gave great advice as to what it is like to actually work at the bank.

I was able to commute to work everyday by using the underground tube. This was very expensive but it was expected, working in central London. Luckily enough, the restaurants and bars nearby were not too expensive, there was a range to choose from as well which was very beneficial also.

I did not get involved in the nightlife in the area that I worked in, simply because its not really my scene. Nonetheless, from what my colleagues said, it sounded like the nightlife in central London is really fun and not too expensive either which is beneficial for student interns especially.

The bank is very passionate on activities such as volunteering and mentoring. During my time here I was able to volunteer on 3 different occasions. I appreciated this as I enjoy helping others and in each of these situations I left having learnt something new or having been inspired by others.