Barclays Operations Analyst Review

the placement was very enjoyable. the challenges faced due to the COVID restrictions were handled really well, and I still got a really interesting and valuable experience. the work was engaging and covered various areas, and was interesting throughout. the early careers team held lots of networking events so there was still a social element despite being stuck in my spare room! opportunities to listen to Barclays president and hear from US grads and interns wouldn't have ben possible if the placement happened in the usual way. overall a very insightful and enjoyable look into how Barclays operates.

the work I was doing right from the start was important, I was running and distributing daily reports used across the bank. I also completed an analysis project, and presented it to team leaders. the information I provided was useful, and they took on board my recommendations. nothing I did ever felt like I was doing it just for the sake of doing it, I felt like I added value to the company even though I was only there for 6 weeks.

my line manager was always willing to take time out of his day to ensure whatever issue I might have got solved. likewise, every member of my team would be happy to call me and talk me through any issue, and I always felt like I was considered as a priority. the early careers team held morning catch ups every other day to answer any question and solve any issues. the buddy and mentor system also worked well and they were happy to answer any other questions I raised. overall I always knew who to approach with problems.

there were a series of excel sessions held, which covered everything from the basics up to advanced techniques. going forward into a masters year in chemistry, these skills will be very helpful. I didn't have much background in finance, so the content learned in the financial markets training sessions were very insightful, and brought me up to speed with how the bank operates. as I am wanting to go into a career in finance, I think the placement set me up perfectly with the skills required to succeed in the sector.

there was 9 weeks of content in 6 weeks, so days were busy, but schedules were sent out right at the start, and more sessions were added to the programme as it went on. despite the amount of content, I had almost no clashes at all, and everything was timed so that I could still fit my work and breaks into my timetable with ease. the sessions were broken down into different categories, and all the sessions were professionally presented. overall, the programme ran very smoothly.

the atmosphere was positive, friendly and helpful throughout. everyone was willing to help, and add to my overall experience. every person I spoke to treated me like a full time employee rather than a 6 week intern. talk wasn't exclusively about work, everyone was willing to chat which caused the atmosphere to be less formal and more inviting. the social networking events held were fun and engaging, and allowed me to interact with a wide range of people across many different business areas

there was a wide range of learning material designed to give me the most out of the placement. the excel training sessions were very useful to my technical skills. the financial markets sessions gave me great insight into how the bank operates and generates income. there were sessions designed to promote creative thinking. the work itself was challenging, and allowed me to further my skills by attempting to solve problems I have never faced before.

I think the placement gave great insight into a career at Barclays. throughout the six weeks I have felt more like an employee than an intern. the work was the same work I would do if I worked there full time. I was included in team meetings, project briefings, I shadowed team members. the placement allowed me to see exactly how Barclays operates, and what it is like to be a member of a team within the company.

the Barclays values are heavily emphasised throughout the placement, and the employees all demonstrate them on a daily basis. sessions for inclusivity were held, which showed the company does value the individual. my team mates treated me as If I was already a part of the team, which gave me great insight on what it would be like to be a full time member of the bank. I always felt valued throughout the placement, which is an important part of the company culture.

at the end of the placement there is an interview to be kept on and enrolled onto the graduate programme. the content showed me how much I would enjoy a career in finance, particularly at Barclays. regardless of wether or not I am accepted onto the graduate programme, I intend to pursue a career in finance so the placement was critical in deciding my career path, as prior to the placement I was unsure which direction to go in.

the contract was for 9 weeks, with a separate amount of money to cover relocation throughout the programme, as it was initially supposed to be delivered face to face. the placement was shortened to six weeks due to restrictions for COVID, however Barclays still paid the full 9 weeks pro rata salary, as well as the relocation sum as per the contract. the salary itself was generous, and it was really good of them to honour the original contract, as the money I made has funded my masters degree this upcoming year.

there were lots of networking events held throughout the placement, within the group of interns as we met ever other day. also with the graduates on the grad programme, who we had sessions with regularly. there were networking opportunities with directors, who we arranged a number of meetings with. there were opportunities to get to know the American interns with a number of international intern events. overall, the program prioritised meeting as many different people as possible

there was a wide range of social opportunities. some of the events put on included quizzes run by external companies, big networking calls, and interactive learning events. we were actively encouraged to reach out to as many of our peers as we could, and get to know every one better. there were grad and intern sessions, where we got to know the people on the grad scheme better. these were more informal sessions that were good fun, and also provided good insight into what the grad scheme is like, which was valuable information

they talked to us in detail about all the extra opportunities available for employees. there are a number of volunteering schemes designed to help out local community groups. a number of outreach roles are available. some people teach on the side, which was discussed with us as an opportunity. there are a large number of social groups that you can be a part of (spectrum, women in finance groups, BAME groups etc) as well as presenting/ buddying for next years interns.

the placement has given me excellent insight into a career in finance, I would absolutely recommend the placement to anyone interested in getting into banking. it looks amazing on a CV, and acts as a first step into getting into a vey competitive and challenging field. clearly time and effort was put into making this virtual placement the best possible experience it could be, and ive come away with a valuable experience and had an excellent opportunity to experience work at Barclays.