Operations Analyst Review

Working alongside the Business Management team that is situated within the Chief Controls Office. The work comprises of a variety of administrative tasks such as handling staff headcount, dealing with department budget, leavers, joiners, etc. Throughout the 8 week internship, I had taken part in: the organisation of CCO events, working with leaders within the CCO to create a transformation strategy plan, and working as part of a global team to create an ESG pitch.

Throughout the various networking events etc., I've been able to greatly develop my social/ communication skills. From my time working as a part of a group for my ESG pitch, I have been able to work on my leadership skills and show initiative. Through helping with the hybrid delivery of CCO events, I have been able to use and develop my tech skills. Through my help with a CCO transformation strategy plan, I have been able to use my detail focussed mindset.

Throughout the course of the 8 weeks, I was given a considerable amount of responsibility with several of the tasks which I had completed - such as the organisation of CCO events and my work for the CCO transformation strategy plan. However, every colleague that I worked with was extremely patient and treated me with respect. I was never given an excessive amount of responsibility, and I was only given new work at the pace at which suited me.

Throughout the course of the 8 weeks, I received complete support from any colleague who I requested it from. In specific, my line manager made themselves always available to assist with any guidance I required, no matter how small. Additionally, I was provided with enormous amounts of learning resources which provide answers for most, if not all of my queries. I was also provided with a graduate buddy and a mentor, both of which were extremely helpful and proactively guided me.

Throughout the course of the 8 weeks, the company culture was stressed to be extremely important for Barclays. For example, there is a strong engagement with citizenship, diversity and inclusion. I always felt extremely welcome, and did not perceive there to be any noticeable discrimination/ biases within the workplace. The atmosphere was always positive, it made being in the office a far more pleasant experience than one would typically imagine of an office, it felt as if everyone was good friends.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 8 weeks I spent within the Barclays Glasgow Office. As a result of everyone's pleasant attitude towards me and my intern cohort, I was always made to feel included, respected, and never felt stupid even if asking a daft question. It surpassed my expectations, as I had initially assumed that all financial institutions come with a harsh/ cut-throat attitude which I believe would suppress my attitude and my happiness in the workplace

Yes

The main advise I would give to others, is not to overly worry. Despite the stereotypical image of a financial institution being cut throat as is often perceived, everyone who I have spoken to over the course of 8 weeks has genuinely wanted me to succeed. If possible, I would advise any new starts to attempt to familiarise themselves with the basic list of associated financial acronyms/ jargon, as these can often become confusing without previous knowledge.