Junior Associate Relationship Manager Review

On the very first day of my internship I was given the opportunity to go on a client visit with my line manager. I returned into the office and was introduced and greeted to everyone. They demonstrated how wonderfully eager they were to assist you with any problems you have. And they never changed over the course of the 10 weeks.

As a Junior Associate Relationship Manager, I was trusted with the gems of Relationship Directors - their clients. I was trusted to communicate directly to clients and produce account plans in preparations for meetings. Getting stuck in with the very important tasks made me feel very valued within the firm.

Fortunately for me, I had a team around me helping me with various issues whether it was feedback on work I produced for a project I was working on, or having meetings arranged with individuals working within the department so I learn more about the various roles within the bank.

My line managers ensured I always had work to do during the day. I was frequently asked about what I will be working on today. Some days were more full on than others however I really liked the fact that each day differed from the others.

I was entrusted with preparing account plans that formed the basis of inter-Lloyds meetings and discussions with Clients. Furthermore, I was trusted with meeting clients with my Line Manager and engaging with clients through email systems. I was even trusted in placing through an order to transfer millions from an account to a deposit account which felt amazing.

I study chemical engineering, when designing a process plant one of the major factors to consider is the economics involved which directly has an impact on various issues that will need to be considered. I will now understand more on devising sophisticated economical data and will be better equipped to produce forecasting models.

Most people seemed social and interested in speaking with one another. I felt like I didn't need to put in a lot of effort to have into a interesting discussion. Despite however busy one was, they would still find the time to check how their colleague felt.

The placement was structured very well, my only criticism is how long it took for access to be granted to all the IT software I required for commercial banking. Also, it would be amazing if each department had a guide showing you how to use a particular software. Other than this, organisation was great, got my laptop to work on in day one.

I believe the best investment is knowledge, and I certainly learnt a lot about the bank over the 10 weeks. I made some exciting networks and most of all I could potentially be working here in the future as I have been referred and will be taking part in the grad scheme.

There is an opportunity for everyone within the firm, I was given detail of an assortment of roles available for the graduate scheme. Along with the great starting salary there is a nice range of fringe benefits to entice one towards a particular department. Events such as the annual CB Challenge also make Lloyds an exciting future prospect.

My internship was in Manchester, there was only one other intern based here which was disappointing however I was given a all paid train ticket to London where I attended a networking event and met a group of interns. It was a great experience and I was also placed in various group exercises with interns in Edinburgh and London. We used to video call regularly which was great.

I was among the lucky ones, I am from Manchester so I was living with my parents during the internship. Socialising in Manchester is great, as I am from the city it would be expected that I know the good places to socialise. The cost of having a nice social day in Manchester would be around £20 a day depending on what you want to do.

I am not really into Nightlife but Manchester is great for it. There's many clubs you can visit and the location (the city centre) is really easy to get to regardless where you are.

Unfortunately, most opportunities and social events organised by the bank are based in London. As there were only two interns including me in Manchester I would say it wasn't great.