Risk Management Intern Review

I worked within the Enterprise Risk Management team. I worked on a climate risk project, focusing on firms' climate ratings to present to senior employees. I developed reverse stress testing scenarios that were applicable to RBC. I created presentations, worked on reports and excel, and improved my knowledge of the role on the job. In addition, I interacted with professionals from various different teams and gained exposure to all the different functions the bank has.

The first week was dedicated to internal training of the different functions of the bank, from understanding markets and buy/sell-side disparities to the role of risk and finance in upholding the integrity of the firm. We were given access to online learning throughout the internship, where the technical measurements of risk in credit, market and operations were explained further. Professionally, I learnt the importance of constant learning, through conversations and adapting to changing regulations and news. Personally, I developed my presentation, research and technical skills immensely.

I worked on an explanatory climate risk project, involving collating and condensing credit rating data into and excel sheet. I was able to convert my findings into digestible graphs and then present these to senior risk members and the CRO. This was extremely fulfilling work as I was able meaningfully contribute towards future climate work, whilst presenting and developing my own skills. I was also able to work on a new organisation spreadsheet to ensure compliance to changing PRA guidelines. I was given enough free time to dedicate towards networking and learning about the different responsibilities both within the team and outside.

I had daily conversations to my line manager, where I could address and queries and update them on my progress throughout. I was given contacts to reach out to in different divisions and areas that where of interest to me. This helped facilitate conversations with wider teams and people from different divisions. I also spoke to my buddy weekly, where I could engage more informally about any concerns or ask for tips to do well. The culture at RBC was great, everyone was friendly and willing to tell you about their role.

Due to COVID, the in-person company activities were limited, but during my 3 days in office I was able to dedicate those towards networking, meetings and group work. This was a unique opportunity to work alongside my peers as opposed to online, with minimal interactions. The interns were a part of a fundraising activity to help Great Ormond Street Hospital, which was not only fun, but meaningful. There were also weekly speaker series talks to address diversity and inclusion concerns. Overall the culture at the company was positive and friendly, I felt comfortable with my peers and confident to reach out to new people around the firm.

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship. Although it was only 8-weeks and the majority of it was online, I was still able to make great contacts, improve my professional and interpersonal skills and experience a work environment properly. I believe that the culture is what stood out to me, I was given the opportunity to speak to peers and senior members, which was extremely beneficial. I was also given the opportunity to prioritise different tasks and work on what would help me learn the most from my role. This exceeded my expectations and my line manager and team are to thank for this.

Yes

For most of the stages, you need to make sure you know what role you are applying for, why the bank and what you want to get out of the experience. Why the role? - Research the different teams, responsibilities, which appeals to you in particular, and why they are interesting Why the company? - Why are RBC different from its competitors, how does their culture appeal to you? and have questions for what you would like to learn about the firm and perhaps what you think they could do more in the future. Throughout all the stages (telephone interview and AC), the interviewers were friendly and this would have been great to know to before hand.