Wealth management Intern Review

The opportunity to spend ten weeks in Coutts was an unforgettable experience. From day one we were made to feel welcome, and constantly supported by a friendly and supportive network. Gaining an internship with a market leader, with an amazing reputation, in the heart of London, certainly was a fantastic way to spend my summer, and an opportunity to enhance my commercial offering and show Coutts my level of capability and desire.

Being aligned to my placement manager ensured I was constantly supported. Being able to move around my placement team, sitting with differing bankers allowed exposure to a wide ranging number of activities and tasks. Successful completion of such tasks, with a positive attitude ensured colleagues made me aware of the value of my work. Meeting Michael Morley, chief executive, Coutts & Co on day one of the placement is testament to the degree of importance placed upon Coutts’ first summer internship scheme.

The HR team was always on hand to answer any queries, or issues that I had. This was a valued supportive network. Furthermore, they provided regular exposure to different aspects of the business during my time in Coutts, widening my understanding of the business offering. Due to the nature of the business, my placement manager was often out of the office on client meetings; therefore, whilst I was given a good degree of guidance, I was also expected to find my own feet during the scheme, which has definitely developed my confidence and ability to succeed within the role.

The ten weeks were a structured internship scheme, with a variety of programmes, insight days and projects, which all of the interns were expected to attend and were greatly welcomed. In relation to my particular client team whilst I was kept relatively busy on a day-to-day basis it was also my responsibility to move around the teams within my department, securing further work. This provided the opportunity to network with bankers throughout the Sports & Entertainment client group. Being able to rotate around the business with the other client groups, rather than being aligned to the Sports & Entertainment client group solely, could have potentially ensured a busier schedule. Nevertheless, the benefit of being placed for the whole duration within one client group has enabled me to gain a greater depth of understanding of this particular client group.

Inevitably the level of responsibility increased during the internship. I was treated like an adult and hence, was also expected to utilise the level of freedom I was provided to further enhance my experiences within my business team. The greatest responsibility came when private banking assistants were away, and I had the opportunity to take on their daily tasks on behalf of their private bakers, this provided the opportunity to experience first hand what a position on the graduate scheme, and beyond, is likely to entail.

After already graduating, and now moving on towards masters in Business Strategy and Innovation, it was great to expose myself first hand to a professional environment. Understanding what is expected after university, complemented by enhancement of one’s transferable skills, will without doubt assist my degree studies, and allow me a greater breadth of understanding when learning more about how businesses carve competitive positions within the market place. Exposure to graduates on the current graduate schemes within Coutts, allows an understanding of what is expected if accepted, and has provided a beneficial opportunity to shadow, and realise capability with the role.

I was placed within the Sports & Entertainment client group. Due to the very nature of the business, this requires outgoing personalities. Hence, the atmosphere within the office was always fun, yet complemented with a correct level of professionalism. The office environment really demonstrated the stereotypical positive work/life balance associated with wealth management. Those with families are supported, and as long as your daily requirements are completed, finishing was always at a reasonable time; this allowed enough time in the evenings to achieve a positive social life. Irrespective of the level of the employee within the office, I always felt I could approach all individuals, who provided me with the time I required.

On day one we were provided with a substantial internship pack that outlined week by week responsibilities and challenges. This wasn’t simply a box ticking exercise, and we were required to fulfil our requirements over the period. This gave the interns something to work towards, and evaluate success, aside from daily tasks within their client groups. The organisation of the placement was one of the strongest factors of the placement, with exposure and insight days to individuals and business areas, throughout the ten weeks.

An initial one week training week exposed the interns to the fundamental aspects of investments, risk, and the computer based software needed to fulfil our role. This training and development was enhanced during our time within our client teams. Sitting at the heart of a client team, was the greatest development period and learning curve. Coutts have outlined a commitment to develop young talent for the organisation. This has meant that a small number of interns are accepted onto the scheme, with heavy focus placed on their development. This approach was hugely welcomed as it emphasised a greater desire and opportunity to develop my skills.

Coutts is a British icon, with a fantastic reputation and brand. A company that truly values a strong work/life balance, that caters for all employee circumstances. There is a focus upon developing early talent and opportunities for these individuals to the top of the organisation is testament to the business, and provides huge appeal for limitless prospects within the organisation; with potential international exposure.

The opportunity to take advantage of the social aspects of the internship should not be ignored. Finishing at a reasonable hour, meant interns were often willing to do things in the evenings, furthermore there were also opportunities to meet other colleagues from the business, by engaging in sporting endeavours such as playing 5-a side football.

London is one of the most expensive places in the world to live, so it has to be expected that living costs will be higher than those experienced elsewhere within the UK. Living with family whilst I was interning definitely helped. Taking advantage of happy hours after work also ensured that living costs were relatively lower than they could have been. There are always offers on in London, so if you need to be frugal, you will get by.

Based right in the heart of London, I was never far from a pub, bar, club, boat party, theatre…. The range of different places where you can go for a few drinks, or a big night out is simply mind boggling. A cocktail at the top of the Gherkin is also fully recommended.

The work/life balance was perfect if you want to get involved in activities outside of work. The 9am until 5pm stereotype really was experienced, but this wasn’t guaranteed; as long as you work hard, then you will have the opportunity to finish at a reasonable time in order to get involved in a life outside of work.