Commercial Banking - Client Solutions Review

The work placement was challenging but also enjoyable since I was kept busy and there was always something to learn throughout the process. I believe that I have had the opportunity to generate greater knowledge of financial markets and especially the products that my team deal with on a daily basis.

Throughout the internship I always felt I could ask questions and sit with my team for any further help I required with work. I never felt left out and was actively involved with team calls, meeting and event that work placed in the division. The colleagues within the team were easy to work with and was open to helping me in times I needed it.

I had fortnightly catch up sessions with my LM as well as an end of presentation with my team, who provided feedback for future endeavours and support throughout the internship process. The support was great since it gave me the platform to improve and develop myself throughout the process with Lloyds.

The internship cohort varied placement to placement. For my rotation within markets I was always busy since I had long term projects and also daily tasks throughout the 10 weeks with LBG. Some interns described their placements as workless but I feel like I always had time to learn new things.

I was given responsibility to take part and participate in a range of tasks on a day to day basis. An example of responsibility I had during the internship was participating in the morning call with traders as well as writing up the morning update which was then distributed to clients across the bank.

Since I study Financial Economics I used a lot of my previous knowledge during my placement within Markets. However I believe that this is very dependent on the division you are put in, since some interns were placed in areas such as GTB which tends to be far different to what you would study in uni.

The atmosphere was very dependant on the day and what was happening in the markets. A Friday was generally very relaxed with dress down clothing compare to a Monday and Tuesday where you would generally be more busy with work. I feel like this is expected with most placements in markets. Everyone on the floor is very friendly and always happy to help.

The placement was organised at the beginning with induction events a facebook group and all interns were given a buddy. I believe both the charity challenge and CB challenge were both well organised but when it came to the end of the placement the referral process was explained to inters and LM's in week 9 which in my opinion far to late.

This is again can differ depending on team and scheme. My scheme and division had training from the get go, with powerpoint and excel training as well as an induction event which introduced inters into the commercial banking space. Markets intens then had Bloomberg training in the Bloomberg offices which allowed us to get to grip with the systems used by traders.

The graduate referral processed changed considerably this year with places becoming far more competitive than previous years. Now interns must take part in a Numerical Test and assessment centre with the battle for places becoming much more difficult. However, the AC is internal and a half day event which makes the process a bit easier.

The social scene with interns varied with some socialising and others not. It also depended in the division interns worked in since some worked later than others depending on team. Although I didn't stay during the weekend I did take part in Friday drinks with interns which was a good way to socialise.

Lloyds Banking Group provided accommodation which helped with living expenses since accommodation in the city can be very expensive. The accommodation was located 20 mins from the office which allowed interns to also save on travelling to and from work since the office was within walking distance. The social scene was very dry as most were busy with work but again expected. The cost of food was of course expensive but London interns were provided a London allowance bonus which helped.

The nightlife is good but expensive as expected from a London setting.

There was opportunities through the charity challenge since most fundraising was generated outside of office hours, but apart from that it was division dependent.