Strategy Analyst Review

I was given a 10 week project to work on. I pulled data using SQL, created charts and analysed them with specific questions that needed answering in mind. I then created a final presentation to deliver my conclusions at the end of the internship.

I have improved my SQL skills which were formerly very basic. I have gained experience with the sort of real-world analysis the role requires. I will have improved my presentation skills after I give my final presentation. I also learned about working in a professional setting since I haven't done a formal internship like this before.

I have been given a lot of responsibility. I am in charge of my own project, although I can and have asked my team members for help and advice. I will be in charge of my final presentation. I have also been given chances to take initiative in meeting people and asking questions in my team or after training sessions/introductions to senior leadership.

I received a lot of support and guidance - I was assigned a mentor and a buddy in my team and had regular catch-ups with them both. Everyone was also very open to me asking questions, and I was able to set up meetings with colleagues in other teams too if I needed specific insight into certain areas. We also had a lot of intern training sessions to help give us the skills or background knowledge we would need - I knew very little about credit cards before this

The culture is something that has really drawn me to Capital One - everyone I have met has been very friendly and open to helping me learn as much as possible. My team have gone out of their way to make sure I feel included and have the support I need. The company has hosted fun events throughout the summer such as sports day and karaoke. They also have BRGs for things like racial and LGBT+ inclusion (I enjoyed attending Pride with the LGBT+ BRG). The intern team have also made sure the interns had plenty of social events to meet one another and settle in, as well as catch-ups with other employees to make sure we can ask people from various teams questions about the role. I have also been able to have my name on the system logged as my preferred name rather than my legal name; I have been referred to by the correct name since I started my internship which is important. I have also been using they/them pronouns and feel comfortable to put them on my emails/Zoom screens etc.

I have had a really good time this summer. The internship has drawn me in and made me want to return. I have enjoyed the work and feel that the internship program and my team have made sure that I feel comfortable enough and have the right support to do that.

Yes

Don't be afraid to be yourself and let people know if you have any specific questions/concerns/needs. I have found there is a focus on making sure people are accommodated. Even in the interview process, many of the interns came across areas they knew nothing about, but were able to express that lack of knowledge so their interviewer could guide them. There is more of a focus on your willingness and ability to learn than your prior knowledge. I knew nothing about credit cards or finance prior to this but have learned a great deal here.