Strategic Intelligence Intern Review

Most of the time is spent with your team, fulfilling responsibilities they set out for you: obviously relating to their exact area of work. These are always varied and very interesting - you're properly embedded in a team and given meaningful responsibility. You will also have some down time, space between meetings etc: you're encouraged (and given assistance to) go off and explore other teams, shadow other people and find out what they do.

- Financial markets training gave good all round insight into how a bank, and the markets it operates in, work - Interns gain in depth expertise into how to help with their team's function, real world skills that are directly applicable to your career (gain technical skills) - Interns have a huge range of opportunities to network and work with other teams, and pick up real world skills along the way (gain transferable skills)

The internship found the right balance between allowing time for networking and exploring other teams, whilst being embedded in a team. Even as an intern, most teams assign you a large project to be working on in the background during the whole duration of the internship, with a deadline you have to deliver on. This is often a product, project or service that actually goes out to customers or colleagues.

You are assigned your Line Manager, Grad Buddy and Sponsor. All of which have proven to be very much invested in my personal and professional development. Each can offer a different kind of support - your grad buddy has been in your shoes so you can relate to them, your line manager can aid with professional development and your sponsor can set you up with a variety of useful contacts to work with.

The general atmosphere around the office is incredibly lively and friendly: if you ask anyone for help, they'll likely help you out, and most people will give you the time of day to tell you about what they do (even Directors, often). There are often a large variety of events at Radbroke, and there's always a buzz around.

Overall, loved it. The work is meaningful, challenging and varied. My entire team has been incredibly welcoming and amicable, especially my line manager. People have always given me the time of day to network, and as a result I've learnt a lot so far.

Yes

Above all, show enthusiasm, ask questions, be sociable and confident. If you're a shy person: fake it till you make it, it's worth the extra hassle. As with everything, you get out what you put in, but you're definitely given more support here at Barclays than elsewhere.