Data & Analytics Summer Intern Review

2 days a week are on placement, for me this involved attending the morning team meeting, working on a coding project and scheduling talks with people across D&A to help with my project. During the 3 other days I had team meetings for the CSR project, involving carrying out a fundraising event. Also team meetings regarding the business project, focused on ethics in data. As well as various socials, and business talks.

I have massively developed in python through my placement. I have also learnt about areas such as machine learning through 'DataCamp', an online learning portal. Further, my ability to schedule and organise has improved. In addition my confidence working in teams has increased. As well as developing essential team-working skills, such as communicating effectively for your audience, compromising when needed and collaborating creatively.

We were given a lot of responsibility. For the business project we scheduled meetings with bank colleagues for research. Chose what areas we wanted to explore related to the question asked. We also had a contact if we were unsure. Similarly for the CSR project we decided on our own creative fundraising idea, which we just had to check with our mentor. The CSR project mentor was there to ask questions to when needed.

Plenty of support and guidance was provided, more was available if needed. My line manager for placement days was great and I could turn to if I was unsure on anything e.g. understanding the systems, struggling with the project, looking for contacts. You're also assigned a "Buddy" who is usually within D&A currently on the graduate scheme. Time was scheduled in to call with your buddy at least once a week.

Really friendly and welcoming to interns. Big push on digital innovation and modernising the bank. Quite a relaxed and flexible atmosphere. There was a lot of opportunity and encouragement to get to know other interns through intern socials and also using breakout rooms during business talks. There are 6 'employee-led networks' which promote inclusivity and work with the bank to make improvements. This includes the Gender Network, the Multicultural network, and Enable the disability network.

I really enjoyed it. The work was challenging and stimulating. I always felt really busy and there was never a dull moment. The internship actually exceeded my expectations, particularly with how much responsibility we were given. The opportunity for working with other interns on the CSR and Business projects was a fantastic way to get to know others despite being virtual. It was a lot more positive than my experiences of teamwork at university.

Yes

I applied to the D&A insight week, this was a fully online application. This was rearranged due to COVID to be online in September instead of in person in April. After the insight week I was offered a virtual assessment day for the internship. It was a positive experience, did not feel too stressful, involved a variety of tasks some group and some individual. I'd advise to read about the 'critical people capabilities'.