Associate Review

The virtual experience was definitely different. While missing out on the in-person networking, it was readily replaced by regular catch up meetings with other interns and colleagues within the team. The work was challenging but engaging, and working from home allowed for some more flexibility, to allow a personal approach to the work. The project was fun to work on, and allowed for people to socialise and talk about the work they are doing at the time.

I always felt welcome and valued. I had regular catch ups booked with members of my team, where my progress was discussed and was made to feel as a part of the team by everyone. My line manager was always involving me in discussions and work so I could give my opinions and time to lots of different pieces of work during my time here. The responsibility I received was real and rewarding, allowing me to immerse my self fully in the FCA.

The support I received was constant, I was always able to ask anyone for advice if I was struggling with something technical, or just needed general support. The constant catch ups allowed me to have any questions answered straightaway. My line manager, always wanted to check in on me to make sure the work I was doing wasn't too much for me to handle. My graduate buddy, booked regular catch ups for us to discuss community project and how I was coping.

The skills I developed during my time here will always be useful for me during my degree and further in my career. Skills from time management and resilience, will aid me in ensuring I maintain high standards during a stressful finish to my degree programme. My communication skills and presentation skills have also improved and will help with some courses I have in my studies where group work is required. My analysis skills have also broadened during the time ranging outside of analysing numbers.

The virtual experience maintained a very good structure. There was regular training sessions for us to learn new skills as well as Fridays left aside for us to work on our community project. Regular catch ups with team members were input to my calendar allowing me to still develop a network at the FCA. There was also many other sessions for me that allowed me to talk to other interns and learn about the company as a whole rather than my own division only.

Despite not being in office, the atmosphere was maintained. I was always made to feel welcomed by anyone I spoke to other, either by email or virtual call. Everyone knew it was different, so all made an effort to try and normalise the experience by having regular informal meetings so we can all talk about ourselves and not just in a work environment, while maintain the high standards of work required while working from home.

The firm invested in my development massively. With their experience my line manager and team manager knew what was best for me to do to make sure I fully understood the FCAs work. I was also asked what I want to do and what I want to gain from my work allowing me to delve in to new areas of my division, to ensure I gained a in depth look in to the work that is carried out here.

The virtual experience obviously cannot show you what office work is like. There is no just meeting up with colleagues for coffee or turning to someone for advice. However, the attempt to try and replicate this as much as they could was evident. Everyone made themselves available for a quick call if I ever had a question or would reply quickly if I messaged a question. The work was very much similar to what I expect in office work would be.

The values of the FCA is always made evident and is pressed in to everything that is done. There is constant reminder to ensure everything we do is for the best interest of consumers. The welcoming culture was always evident also, people available for chats and always offering support from the first day to the last. They always checked you weren't over run before asking you to do more work and were always honest with deadlines.

The content was immensely valuable in helping me decide my future path. Being my first major experience with a large firm I really dived in to the work to try and gain a full experience. It allowed me to that this are of financial services is in no way monotonous and is constantly keeping me on my toes and shows I have many more skills and knowledge topics to develop. From more document analysis to possible legal knowledge areas

The pay for the work was fair. The decision to pay for the full 10 week despite shortening the period to 7 weeks due to the lockdown was obviously welcomed and very generous. The pay was fair and I feel the amount of work that was required of us during this time matched the wage we received. If the wage was for in office work I feel the amount given would also be fair for these circumstances.

Chances for networking was plentiful and broad. From Lunch and Learns to just informal catch ups allowed us to talk to as many people as we possibly could to gain advice and insight in to the industry. Without having any traditional social events, what was put on for us was fantastic as well as having the freedom to organise our own chances to hold one on ones chats over MS teams to expand our networks independently.

The networking event opportunities were just right they allowed for some larger scale ones where we would listen to some people present themselves and ask questions after as well as one on one events for us to gain our own specific requests from our time. We had opportunities to ask questions on many different topics and were always advised to reach out to anyone we think may be useful to talk with or gain insight from.

Yes, after speaking to a number of graduates and more experienced colleagues I was able to see what else would be available to me during my time in the future at the FCA. From more community work to help me have a major role in aiding society. As well as more informal social events for employees. The activities can vary from team building to more providing employees with great facilities such as gyms and reimbursed cafes.

Yes, the work is insightful while challenging and fun to carry out. The line managers are useful and try to tailor your experience so it fits you best. Everyone is immensely welcoming and always ready to answer any questions you may have, as everyone wants everyone to develop and be able to work to their best. The community project is a fun way to dive in to the FCA culture and values, while making good friends with other new interns.