Data and Analytics Intern Review

I really enjoyed the virtual experience. There were a multitude of opportunities to listen to people who were knowledgeable in areas of the bank which I had interest in, as well as chances to learn more about other areas of the business. The virtual experience was well-structured and well-paced, with good organisation throughout. The use of Zoom meant that our sessions were interactive and provided plenty of opportunities to ask questions and discuss ideas with smaller groups in breakout rooms.

The interns felt incredibly well valued during my time with The Royal Bank of Scotland and the virtual experience. From first applying, I was kept in the loop with communications over email. The assessment centre was well-organised and the use of the intern portal was excellent. I was always aware of who I could ask if I had any questions about the virtual experience and was assigned a buddy who could help to answer my questions.

Although the fact that this was a virtual experience did mean less in-person contact, and therefore less support than might usually be expected during an internship, I was assigned a buddy for the duration of the virtual experience who was able to meet with me over Zoom to discuss how I was finding the virtual experience and to answer any questions I had. Frequent messages on the portal meant that I always knew who I could talk to with questions.

A lower score, primarily because this was a virtual experience where many of the sessions were held for all interns. Only one week was spent in the area of the bank I had applied to, and so a lot of the content was general professional practice and information rather than technical knowledge. This is understandable given the nature of a virtual experience. I think the sessions in the second week were very good in terms of teaching and learning. Perhaps these could be extended if virtual experiences are to continue into the future?

Very well. It was immediately clear that a lot of work had gone into organising and structuring the virtual experience. From the presentation slides, to the full calendar of events and message boards on the portal, it was always clear what was coming up and what I could expect from the virtual experience. I was never confused of left in the dark about what I could expect from the virtual experience. Communication throughout has been excellent!

Really welcoming and friendly. I have always been valued and appreciated. Staff were always fast off the mark to say "good morning" at the start of calls on the virtual experience which led to a friendly atmosphere were we felt we could come off mute and say a few words to the other interns. It's a shame that the pandemic meant this had to be a virtual experience, because it is clear the atmosphere in RBS is excellent.

It is clear that the Royal Bank of Scotland made the decision that they would invest in their interns as soon as coronavirus hit. The fact that the internship became a virtual experience was excellent. Many other internships were simply cancelled of postponed, but RBS showed dedication and commitment towards new talent and this goes a long way to show their excellent workplace culture and people-first approach to talent. I was impressed by the way the Bank handled the virtual experience.

The very nature of the virtual experience meant it was difficult to get a good idea of what it would be like to work at the Bank. This would, of course, have been much easier if the internship course had gone ahead as usual in person at the bank's HQ in Edinburgh where we could have seen first-hand what it was like to work in a full-time role in the bank. More sessions with grads could have improved this.

As I have said in previous comments, the bank's commitment to keeping the virtual experience going ahead and to paying us as usual clearly displays the bank's excellent company culture. Furthermore, seeing staff working from home with the support the required was a good demonstration that the bank had supported its staff in getting set up for home working. The facilitation of rest breaks and other Zoom features also showed off this good culture well.

Much like other comments I have made, it is clear that this would be a higher score if the internship had gone ahead as planned in Edinburgh, but clearly it would not have been safe or appropriate to do so. As such, I cannot criticise the bank here. Sessions with graduates and more senior members of the bank were helpful in getting and idea for where I might want to work but being in the office would have been far better for this.

The pay advertised for the internship was unchanged for the virtual experience

Yes. My internship buddy was able to assist me with getting in touch with others who might be able to help with my questions.

This was difficult remotely, but we still had good opportunities to meet people in breakout rooms and connect on LinkedIn later.

We had a presentation outlining this information, including councils in the bank.

Absolutely. It was well organised and intersting.