Commercial Banking Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement, where I was constantly learning and supported by my team. The placement was rewarding at the end especially where greater responsibility is given to you. The time spent was enjoyable and I know I have skills which will serve me well in the future.

I felt very valued by my colleagues since the team were constantly helping to teach me with every piece of work given. I wanted to be placed out of my comfort zone since I do not come from a financial background and they were willing to support me in learning about analysing financial statement.

I was given guidance by my line manager each week when we discussed any feedback and if my objectives were being met. We also sat down and discussed during the later stages of my internship if there were any objectives that I had not met and tried to find time in my diary to complete these.

I was kept busy during everyday since my team were willing to give me work and wanted to support my development. I was also kept busy due to my intern projects which I had set personal deadlines for so I was on track to meet my teams deadlines.

As time went on I was given greater responsibility to complete tasks which were really rewarding. This included handling financials for clients and understand clients strategic plans for the future, with the bank helping to facilitate these plans. I enjoyed being given this much responsibility since it showed the faith the team had in me.

I have developed my analysis skills since I was tasked with understanding and commenting on high level financials for the banks clients. I also developed my communication skills since I was speaking to senior team leaders in the bank who held a long career within the bank. Teamwork skills were also tested since the intern projects were created with individuals who were in offices around the country, thus needing to be understanding of everyone's schedule and their own workloads.

My office held an atmosphere which was very friendly and open from the minute I started. The team welcomed me very warmly and I was engaged by going to team meetings and lunches.

The placement was well organised where the development and induction days were thoroughly enjoyable and well planned. Each event ensured we were gaining from our experience with the bank and helped to enhance our placement work by building skills such as communication and teamwork.

The company invested a lot into their interns, this has already been mentioned by off sight days which also included a CSR task that was thoroughly rewarding and fun. The company wanted the interns to bond and become well connected and this was evident throughout. Personal development was also enhanced by speaker series which allowed senior leaders engage with interns and here their personal journey with the bank.

Future employment prospects appear really appealing since there have been many interns that have been accepted onto the graduate programme and have thoroughly enjoyed their time within the bank. The employment prospects appear promising since individuals are given mentoring guidance from people who have been in their position before.

There was a great social scene since there were social secretary's for our region. This meant there was continuous chances to meet the other interns, even the ones who do not work in your office. The socials ranged from sports activities to meeting after work for drinks, where every intern was encouraged to attend.

The cost of living was minimal since I lived at home but the price of commuting and eating lunch was high. I would recommend planning your journey so you are able to save more. Socialising was also expensive but the intern social were of a fair rate and did not appear to high.

The nightlife was good in the area and we went for drinks after work on multiple occasions, being able to socialise with interns and other members of my team.

There were lots of activities to get involved within, my charity team created a pub quiz which helped to encourage more activities outside of work.