This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
I thoroughly enjoyed my internship as the work was challenging and interesting which enabled me to learn a lot about the industry and RBC. Everyone was really friendly which made it very easy to settle in, and I felt both welcomed and valued. The placement gave me a good insight into wealth management and the internship scheme seemed well organised and structured.
My colleagues made a good effort to ensure I felt welcomed and within days I felt like one of the team. Everyone across the floor was prepared to spend time explaining their roles and helping out which made me feel at home at RBC. The friendly culture which the company prides itself for was evident in all aspects of the placement.
My manager clearly outlined my project at the beginning of the internship and regularly checked to make sure I felt comfortable with the work I had been given. I was allowed the freedom to complete the task in my own way whilst also being given guidance as to possible improvements whenever I asked. Overall I felt very well supported throughout the programme.
I was given the freedom to be as busy as I wanted to be on a daily basis as long as I completed the work set by my manager in time for deadlines. Some days were jam packed if I had arranged to talk to a variety of professionals about their role at the bank, whilst other days were more relaxed, giving me time to focus on my own research. Overall, there was lots to do and I was able to keep myself busy very easily, whilst also not feeling too overworked or stressed.
I was responsible for completing an entire research project for my team from start to finish. I felt this was a good level of responsibility as I was made aware of the importance of my project, and the value it was bringing to my team, but I was given guidance throughout so I never felt out of my depth.
I developed a great number of skills at RBC, specifically those relating to Wealth Management and the Economy. As I am a Maths student, these skills were predominantly new to me, and I feel my internship has given me a lot of valuable experience which will be useful when I am applying to future graduate jobs in finance.
The Company
Very friendly - everyone said hello in the mornings/throughout the day and was more than happy to chat. Whilst the atmosphere was also serious when necessary, (giving everyone the chance to complete their tasks efficiently without distraction) everyone was very social and the experience was overall extremely pleasant.
The internship programme was well planned, featuring a series of talks to enable us to find out more about other divisions of RBC. There was also a variety of social events, including a leaving breakfast and a 'mystery event', which allowed us to meet and socialise with other interns. This greatly contributed to what a positive experience I had at RBC.
Whilst we didn't receive personal training at the beginning of the internship, I very much enjoyed this approach as we were immediately exposed to the working environment, allowing us to develop the necessary skills as we worked. We were also given online training to complete in our own time, which was flexible and informative.
Subsidised Canteen
Company Parties/Events
I would love to work at RBC in the future due to the lovely culture and good working environment. The company made it clear that they would welcome me back in the future, which made me feel very valued, and I intend to apply for a graduate job at RBC.
The Culture
We were encouraged to mingle with the other interns through organised socials which were very enjoyable as we all clicked very well. Whilst some social events were arranged, we also organised our own gatherings and drinks events in order to spend more time together outside the office, and it was lovely to meet other young people interested in going into finance.
As RBC is based in central London, it was fairly expensive to go out for drinks/social events. However, the internship paid fairly well which made it possible to enjoy a good standard of living. The bar at the company itself was fairly priced, meaning it was affordable to socialise with colleagues after work.
Central London boasts a variety of amazing options in regards to nightlife. From a massive selections of cocktail bars to some of the UKs best clubs, there was something for everyone, all very accessible due to Transport for London. There was also plenty of options for quieter nights including a walk along Southbank, and the famous Tower Bridge, both of which were in easy walking distance from the office.
RBC supports many charities and we were encouraged to join in with a variety of events relating to this, including long distance runs in aid of a good cause. There was also a staff summer party during our internship which we were encouraged to attend, giving us a great chance to socialise with our colleagues and team outside of the office.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
Banking, Financial Management, Science
London
September 2019