This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
My internship at the bank was really good. The bank organised a week's training in London during our first week, with all EMEA interns- which was nice as I got to meet different individuals in the same position as I am and from different lines of businesses. Throughout the internship, I also recevied various training which equipped me to perform my tasks effectively. Overall, the internship was well structured and I am leaving with more knowledge and skills.
My colleagues and my immediate team were very encouraging and were always there to provide feedback. I was put on tasks that were a high priority to the the bank which gave me a level of responsibility- which is always good to have during an internship. My teammates were also willing to provide me with feedback after work done, which was fundamental to my growth.
We had mid and final reviews during the course of my internship. This was useful in gettting an update regarding progress, feedback on work done and an opportunity to for interns to share any concerns. Even though my manager was based in London and I was based in Chester- he was always ready to help and support me where need be.
During my time on the internship, I was relatively busy- as I had my day to day tasks in the Issue Validation team, 2projects and other ad-hoc tasks that came my way. On days when I had less tasks- I reached out to my team and I was always put on something new.
I was given a significant level of responsibility as I worked on numerous high priority and sensitive tasks alongside my team. I joined the wellness committee of my team and planned a social event for my team alongside other interns. Overall, I was given a huge amount of responsibility regarding tasks and I proactively reached out for more responsibility in regards to extra-curricular activities.
In the first week at the bank- we had a communication skills training, 2 days worth of products training (training on bonds, shares etc), amongst others. And throughout the internship we had Audit methodolgy training which was very useful in equipping us to perform our tasks to a high standard. The training received would help me throughout my life- As no knowledge gained is useless. I had developed effective skills such as teamwork, confidence and how to act in a professional manner- all of these would come in handy infutuire opportunities. The products training recevied would help me in my final year at university.
The Company
General atmosphere was good- you're surrounded by both interns and professionals. So you are always learning. Everyone is so nice as well, compared to what people think of an investment bank. Also, everyone wants you to succeed- so they are always willing to help you out if you need anything.
It was clear that the sumer internship at the bank was well thought about. Before our official start day ath bank we were sent Tshirts. On arrival we got more Bank of America Merrill Lynch freebies. And during my time at the bank- we constantly had events, which was a nice way to compliment the full internship.
We had a week long training in London before we arrived at our desk (a lot of companies dont do this oor if they do it's for 3days or less). This was good in terms of personal development Further training was also recevied during our time on the desk, which was good.
Company Parties/Events
The future employment prospects for summer interns in the bank are really good. Once you perform well- you would be offered a place on the graduate programme which is good. Also if you want to change divisions or line of business- There's always that opportunity as well, just be open and honest to your HR recruiter.
The Culture
There was a good relationship amongst the Chester Interns. as we had projects together, which grew our bond. So we generally did stuff amongst each other, outside work- which was nice as Chester is a small city compared to London. London Interns also had a good soical scene amongst each other.
I was allocated to the office in Chester even though I actually live in London. Rent in Chester is obviously way cheaper that London. I stayed in a student accomodation during my summer internship and it was quite affordable. Travel is also affordable in Chester, so I would recommend living in Chester if you want to cut down on cost
I was allocated to the office in Chester. I am not really a nightlife person, so I can't say much on this. However, interns in Chester usually planned events amongst one another, which seemed good. I am sure interns in London also planned night outs amongst each other, so should have been good.
Yes- we had regular networking events, mid/end events, volunteering activities, Dragon boat race, Escape room and so much more. I would definently reccommend the bank for those who are are looking to have a good work-life balance, as the bank is a major advocate for this. We also had opportunitiies to go down to London for events during the course of our internship.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
North West
August 2019