Intern Review

Overall, I can say with confidence that the internship was a positive experience. I was afforded a great introduction to the industry and, more importantly, the company. The opportunities given to the interns too were very encouraging, featuring informative talks and networking opportunities, as well as the ability to reach out to senior colleagues within the bank.

I have the impression that the company makes a sincere effort to give the interns as expansive an experience as possible. This is evident on account of all the opportunities and points of contact provided to the interns. Regarding the colleagues within the team itself, they made every effort to make me feel welcome, and, importantly, tried to involve me with as much of the team's agenda as possible.

We were given a number of contact points to ensure we always had people to reach out to. My line manager was excellent in taking every measure to be supportive. This included regular catch ups discussing my progress. Regarding specific career guidance, members of HR or colleagues in the division were always happy to offer support and advice.

I was included wherever possible by my team. I was able to partake in meetings and shadow colleagues. Additionally, my team did keep me busy by teaching me as much about their work as possible, as well as having me complete various ad hoc tasks, important to the team's work. However, due to lack of access to requisite technology, I have found myself, on occasion, with little to do.

Similarly to what I have mentioned above, my ability to partake significantly was somewhat hindered by my lack of technology. However, my team did try to enable me to take ownership of certain pieces of work, and I was made to feel valued wherever appropriate.

I will leave the internship with a number of valuable skills. For example, I have gained a significant exposure to software technology. I have been able to develop my ability to be at ease when working with various software. This is something which will prove useful in the future. Additionally, the significant contact with senior colleagues is useful in honing my communication skills. As for my degree, studying PPE, what I have learnt on the internship is perhaps less relevant.

While my team took its role very seriously, and there was a very hard working and focussed ethos to the team, they were always friendly and approachable. I always felt comfortable, welcome, and included by my team. My line manager especially played a significant role in ensuring a positive working environment.

I believe the internship was planned well by the company. The inclusion of talks, workshops, and other social events, along with being placed into a team is a good format for such an internship. I do feel that the company took appropriate measures to ensure that the interns were afforded all necessary opportunities.

I have been very encouraged by my impression of the company regarding its approach to investing in colleagues and interns. I get the sense that the individual's well being and career develop is a priority for the organisation. This is evidenced by the various check ins and catch ups organised as well as the opportunities to interact with senior colleagues, and the training sessions.

I am certainly very much inclined to believe that this would be an ideal place to commence my career. The investment in employees and the positive, collaborative atmosphere is palpable. The majority of colleagues I have encountered at the firm have been most welcoming and friendly, and this is what I look for in a future employer.

I was able to get along very well with fellow interns. We met up on occasion and became more than just internship colleagues. Working on a group project was conducive to this. The majority of other interns were outgoing and like minded students, with whom I found it easy to get on.

While Canary Wharf can be a somewhat expensive location, I feel there are plenty of options to suit most budgets.

Canary Wharf itself contains plenty of opportunities for eating, drinking and socialising, but perhaps more importantly it is only a stone's throw away from central London, just a few stops by tube. As such, there is no shortage of entertainment destinations in and around the area where the internship takes place.

There appear to be a number of networks and charitable activities that one can get involved with outside of work. Additionally a number of fun opportunities like team volleyball events etc.