Summer Associate Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the virtual internship experience. Although I would have preferred things to be in person, I felt I still learnt a lot virtually and was exposed to a number of different functions. It was relatively easy to communicate with new people and set up meetings to get to know other parts of the business. There was a tech team available if necessary and personal laptops were sent to all interns with headsets. This was particularly useful and allowed for a comfortable experience.

I felt the FCA did value their interns. Being able to complete the intern community project really demonstrated our importance, as we presented in front of several senior members across the FCA and received feedback after. Moreover, I felt valued in my team and department where I actually carried out work which involved presenting solutions to 7 different managers and the head of the department. This experience highlighted that my role was significant and the work I was doing was meaningful.

There was a tech team available if necessary and personal laptops were sent to all interns with headsets. This was particularly useful and allowed for a comfortable experience. Moreover, when setting up the laptop this was beneficial as it was relatively easy to contact someone and come to a solution. Moreover, in terms of the actual internship, I had a grad buddy and line manager who were easily approachable and gave guidance on a number of things I came across on the internship.

Firstly, the most beneficial skill I gained was working effectively in a team and especially virtually. With my current university experience being mostly virtual, the work I had on the internship was all virtual hence I was effectively able to utilise virtual platforms to build relationships. Moreover, I learnt how to approach colleagues in the industry which has been applicable when working in group work during university where I can now value other opinions further. Moreover, I generally learnt more about the FCA as a whole and their integral role. This has been beneficial in specific modules related to policy and regulation.

The virtual experience was structured well. Every week we would undertake virtual training with an external body which gave us a break from day-to-day work. Moreover, every Friday was dedicated to working in my intern project which allowed us to complete work during the week rather than after work. Hence, this dedicated day was beneficial in getting to know each other and network, whilst producing an effective project. Finally, the 7 weeks was an effective timeframe where I was able to meet with several internal stakeholders and complete projects.

The general atmosphere was very positive and stakeholders within the FCA are easily approachable. I developed strong networking skills and also built long term relationships. I feel as if I could reach out to the employees relatively easy even after the internship. Moreover, I felt positive when working on Fridays with my fellow interns, where we even conducted socials and was able to build strong relationships for the future. We still keep in contact now showing the experience waa great.

The firm dedicated a 2-hour session each week from an external company which focused on a variety of different skills. Here I was able to take notes and even apply this to my day to day work. This showed although virtual, the firm was one step ahead and took the opportunity to deliver training virtually. Moreover, I had a final review with my line manager where we reviewed skills I suggested to work on in our first meeting and we talked through my progress.

The experience gave a good overview of what a full-time role would look like. Having communicated with graduates they were able to summarise their current situation and what potentially mine could look like if I joined. Moreover, having spoken to managers they were able to identify the type of path one may take in a full-time role and even those that did the internship. Hence this was beneficial in getting insight from those who have followed a potentially similar path.

The internship did explain to some extent the company culture. Having spoken to my own team there was an element of understanding how everyone was and what work may be deemed important etc. Because it was virtual perhaps it was more difficult to gauge what the company culture is fully like as I was less exposed to reactions from every employee. Moreover, I could not get in contact with every department hence getting a feel for the whole of the FCAs culture was difficult.

The content I learnt was invaluable for helping my future career path. Managers and graduates were all open and honest about their paths and were keen to give recommendations based on my preferences. Moreover, the work I took on was a good experience to help me understand fully what kind of roles I would enjoy and where my career lies. The work I did was ok but could have been potentially more interesting which has helped me choose a potential career path away from that work I was initially undertaking.

I was luckily paid for 10 weeks worth of work even though due to COVID-19 I only undertook 7 weeks.

This was arguably the best part of the FCA. It was really easy to speak to colleagues outside of your department and everyone was approachable even when busy. I was able to also communicate with other interns, but the only negative was that this was during the last week and It was a shame since many were rgeat. I still value the relationships I forged during the internship and look forward to utilising them for my career.

The networking events were ok but not amazing. There was no real opportunity to meet with all interns which would have been great. Moreover, there was no real socials understandable since we are working virtual but as an intern, I felt there could have been more of a social aspect. There was a few socially distanced drinks within my team but they were for the more senior members and were in locations close to them.

I did find out about some activities but not a lot. I didn't really ask too much but I did gather there was plenty of after-work activities such as team drinks etc.

I would recommend this virtual experience to a friend. Any internship is beneficial but the FCA one is unique in that there are no competitors and you can get a real feel of how the financial world works. The work is not too intense and the company is welcoming regardless of your age or background. I would suggest that the FCA should be looked at as an option for any student no matter what degree they are doing as there will be a division that suits your interest.