Summer Analyst - Scholarship Stream Review

The work given to me was engaging and varied in scope. I was able to complete and collaborate on a varied range of tasks. Throughout the placement the work offered to me was scaled according to improvements in my understanding. This allowed for the work to remain engaging and ensure I was sufficiently challenged throughout my time at the bank.

Entering the bank from a non-finance background into a highly technical area inherently made for a sharp learning curve - especially in the first few weeks. Due to the technical, highly specialised aspect to a large portion of the work done in my department occasionally the work I was functionally able to complete for my colleagues was limited. However, colleagues did respond positively to the work that I completed.

My line manager reached out to me through multiple emails and telephone calls throughout the on-boarding period before the internship. This communication helped familiarise me with the department and banking group as a whole - especially useful due to my limited knowledge of the finance industry. During the placement itself he arranged catch-ups and meetings to assess my progress.

Due to the nature of my department within the bank there were limited quieter period in-between deals. However, I was always offered a sufficient level of work and training to complete. During busier periods I was often given multiple tasks to manage and complete simultaneously. Overall, I was consistently given a sufficiently engaging level of work.

Due to the inherent nature of the team I was placed within there was limited direct responsibility I was given. However I was able to take ownership for the work I produced and was offered constructive criticism and the opportunity where appropriate. Towards the end of the programme I was given an increasing level of ownership of tasks/work.

The work within my department often focussed around research/analytical based skills. Completing work of this nature during my time at the bank has helped to further enhance my existing research skills I have developed during my undergraduate history degree. In addition to this, the placement offered an opportunity to develop more generalist universally applicable skills through the intern challenges offered.

Somewhat oldfashioned banter [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions]

Organisation levels varied. I was initially offered no travel/accommodation despite living 4/5 hours from London. This wasn't resolved until I went through the Lloyds Scholars Rep for my university with vague unhelpful responses from Lloyds. My line manager and the commercial bank in comparison were far more in regards to inductions, intern socials, etc. The IT department within the bank was exceptionally slow taking 4/5

Lloyds offered online training as well as multiple small group training sessions for transferable skills such as excel. Markets interns were given a full day training session at Bloomberg's offices and contact with a Bloomberg rep to answer any queries. In addition to this my line manager offered Q&A sessions to go over any issues or questions I had.

40% of total successful applicants to the grad scheme were recruited through referrals direct from the internship scheme. This is a lower margin than in previous years. Interns are now expected to complete the same application process as external direct from university hires - i.e. attending a half day assessment centre and recompleting numerical reasoning tests (previously not needed).

Interns were given accommodation by Lloyds in the same building in central London. As such we were able to socialise far more easily especially in terms of drinks after work/nightlife etc. due to the short distance into the centre of town. Lloyds set up a Facebook group with IM chats for each location making it easy to plan and get in touch with other interns.

As expected for central London. Normal costs associated with living and socialising in the centre of an international capital city. However there are cheaper options available. The internship pay was sufficient to easily cover all expenses as accommodation in Central London was provided for interns who would face significant travel costs due to living over 90 mins away.

Large variety for all tastes and budgets due to central London location. Lloyds offered socials at multiple local bars near to the office as well as competitive socialising such as London shuffle club etc. The bank also sold tickets for a late night boat party allowing interns and scholars to network.

The Lloyds charity challenge facilitated engagement with activities outside of normal working hours. Interns were placed within the same accommodation in Central London allowed for easy socialising due to the short distance to the city centre and short walk to and from the office which allowed for easy socialising after work.