Intern Review

I enjoyed it thoroughly and that it was a good learning opportunity. I was supported by both a buddy and a manager. Additionally, everyone on the desk was very helpful. I felt like my work contributed to the team's efforts. I felt there was always something to do and my team really took an interest in my ideas and gave my real responsibility on the job.

I felt like my work contributed to the team's efforts. The team gave me tasks that they would expect a full time analyst to do and the projects I was working on had real use. Admittedly, there were also times when I had little work, but that gave me an opportunity to research some of the areas I was interested in by going for coffees with senior leaders in those areas.

I was supported by both a buddy and a manager. My manager and buddy ensured that I had enough to do but also that I was not overwhelmed with work. Additionally, everyone on the desk was very helpful. I was also given a new joiners pack which contained information on some of the basics, such as how to use the printer!

It varied on a daily basis. Some days were quiet while some were very busy.

I felt like some of my work was important and that I had a responsibility to deliver, where as other pieces of work were less important and didn't have set deadlines as such. This gave me the opportunity to fully get to grips with the problem instead of rushing through to an answer.

I believe they will be critical going into my final year in university. I learnt a lot about different financial products and how they are traded, I also learnt a lot of excel skills, including VBA, which will no doubt be useful in the future. Additionally, I picked up many soft skills which are critical in any industry.

The atmosphere felt very relaxed and I felt I could approach anyone in the office if I had any questions or wanted any clarifications. The approachability of co-workers also gave me an opportunity to research some of the areas I was interested in by going for coffees with senior leaders in those areas.

The internship was very well organised with a well structured training week followed by 2 rotations. These rotations were based on our own preferences, which ensured we got to see parts of the business that interested us the most. Additionally, there were many insight events, which gave a glimpse into a wide range of desks.

At the beginning of the internship there was a dedicated training week. Throughout the internship HR organised numerous personal effectiveness sessions and insight sessions, which allowed us to expand our knowledge of the different businesses and how they interact with each other and also develop soft skills like public speaking.

Interns are offered places on the graduate scheme depending on their performance and I feel that internal mobility is a part of the firms culture. There are a number of desks hiring and there seems to be a real emphasis on internal promotion and development of talent. So quite appealing indeed!

Intern class was relatively small, so found it very easy to get to know all the other interns. Additionally, there were numerous socials, organised both by the firm and amongst ourselves, which facilitated bonding in the intern cohort. I definitely feel like I have made some long-term friends, regardless of whether I come back as a graduate!

Central London is not cheap...

There were many CSR events planned and additionally the firm had a number of sports teams which were active and had either training or a match on a weekly basis. So I would say there were many opportunities to get involved in the firm culture even away from the office.