Associate Review

Because of financial market conditions in the summer of 2009, the FSA provided an opportunity beyond compare. The FSA allowed all interns to be involved in 'real work' and gain a sense of being involved. We were encouraged to read daily financial news to realise the actual effect of the work we were doing. This placement was excellent.

The FSA treated interns as full-time members of staff. We were encouraged to participate in meetings, debates and even regular staff procedures for work. For example, we were working on a project that was evaluated to the same standards of full-time staff projects. We were generally made to feel like full-time staff.

The management team always provide feedback whether it be positive or negative. They also encourage interns to adopt and adapt to this feedback. Their general attitude is one of encouragement and development - this I think only helps improvement.

Never a dull moment. When working on a project I also had the opportunity to visit firms, telephone assess firms, work on case work with team members. There were constant opportunities and constant deadlines to be met - I can safely say I never felt bored. In addition to the work, there were always offers from people to take five minutes away, to provide some relief from the work. It is an excellent balance.

I would not say I was running the show but it has to be said that all interns were given a huge amount of input and responsibility. We had a project to work on that was considered to be an important piece of work rather than something for us to do whilst being there. We were also tasked with important work to help full-time staff with their respective cases, projects and such. We were expected to meet expectations, so i would say that overall we were placed with a lot of responsibility.

In terms of soft-skills there was a huge amount of development. Soft-skills such as writing e-mails with the correct degree of formality, arranging meetings, negotiating timelines, negotiating deadlines, presentation skills and general day to day business awareness. Aside from that, more esoteric skills such as financial analysis, even data analysis with a high premium placed upon Excel - a lot has been learnt that can be put into university and future employment.

The atmosphere was very balanced. People liked to get on with their work but there were also social opportunities.

The placement was generally very well organised. There was always a plan to get interns involved in the action.

Huge premium was placed on learning and development. Workshops were set up for every area. For example, presentation skills were encouraged and we received two day training session on them.

I will find out within two weeks of finishing whether or not I have a fulltime job.

Fellow interns organised many social events. In general there was great camerarderie between all involved.

I was lucky in that I could live rent-free with one of my dad's friends. In terms of transport, Edinburgh was very reasonable. 38 pounds for a month's bus pass and that allowed me unlimited travel on buses for a month. In terms of lunch/eating costs that was fairly average I would say. You could eat a decent lunch for around 4 pounds. We did not have a canteen so it would be sandwhiches mainly. In terms of socialising, when it happened there would be a few places around work but tended to be expensive. To get a cheap drink in Edinburgh you really have to look for it. But, that is not a complaint as much as an observation. Plus, when you are working you are generally too tired to go out for several drinks anyway.

Again, Edinburgh has pros and cons to its nightlife. In general it is good and safe. When the festival is on in August it heats up a little bit but apart from in August i would say it is quite reserved. Again, this is not really a complaint as such as I believe that many people would like it!

Edinburgh and the office allowed the interns to see many invitations to external events. Basically, outside work there was an endless array and variety of things to do.