Summer Analyst Review

This internship was a brilliant first insight into professional life, financial working and the public sector. My team were engaging, thoughtful and made sure that I was working on my own development and goals as well as adding value to the Financial Conduct Authority. I got experience in leading on projects, presenting to my team as well as completing a lot of research. I didn't do any 'grunt' or easy administrative work that is common on many internships.

As the internship was online, it was definitely harder to make those connections that are so valuable in a working environment. However, my team definitely made a huge effort to ensure I felt included and valued. I was regularly updated on the progress of all areas of my team, to give wider context, as well as given one to ones with everyone I was working with on a project. Being given presentation opportunities also helped me feel valued.

My managers (there were three) gave me lots of regular help and feedback. In terms of guidance, I was trained sufficiently well and updated on changes that my projects went under. In terms of support, I was given a fair amount - my managers were always willing to schedule in catch up and questioning sessions so I could further understand any project I was working on. My only criticism would be that I wasn't given a ton of feedback on my personal progression.

I think the Financial Conduct Authority, or at least my team, got the balance perfectly well. I was given a lot of tasks and responsibilities, and so I never was in need of more work. However, the culture of my team was very much based around work life balance. So I was never expected to work long hours or meet unattainable deadlines, but I also never was left 'twiddling my thumbs' which I really appreciated.

I was given a good amount of responsibility but with constant oversight, which made me feel responsible and accountable but also confident that I wasn't making any mistakes. Being able to take the lead on a research project was a large amount of responsibility for me. Also I oversaw the project plan for a review we were doing with external partners which was a huge opportunity as I was the person with the 'big picture'.

Some of the skills I developed while at the Financial Conduct Authority (not an exhaustive list), include: Time management, as this was the first time I ever had to work independently in a business context. Especially in the context of virtual internships where oversight was minimal. Presentation and public speech, as I was given the opportunity to do several presentation to my team, external partners and an independent panel of judges. These helped me become a more confident speaker.

It was very hard to create an atmosphere online. We had daily meetings at the start and end of each day to try make up for the lost time in person. There was definitely a huge effort made, but I don't think it was fully successful at all times. For example, I don't think I got to know my colleagues as well as I could have and there was less effort to get to know each other.

Again, I think the online environment hindered the organisation of the internship. My department were very organised, but the central structure was not. I found out 3 days before I started where I was going to be situated, and we found out less than a week before the start date that it was being pushed back by 3 weeks. The whole process was a bit stressful, but the FCA is an established internship and I do think in more normal years it would be better organised.

The firm had loads of training and development opportunities. We had in total 21 hours of training (should've been in person but ended u being all virtual presentations). This training was very useful and will help me in the long term. Also, being given the chance to work on a community project with fellow interns gave us practice on developing initiative, and simulating being the leads and other main people working on a professional project.

The future prospects are very good. The internship, if successful, leads directly onto the graduate scheme, which has a competitive salary and lots of benefits. The scheme also includes a lot of rotation around the organisation, with secondments both internal and external. From what I gather the firm is very set on personal development and finding the correct career path 'for you'. Therefore, doing the scheme is brilliant for anyone who is motivated but unsure of their exact career goals.