Barclays Insight Programme Review

I really enjoyed the 4 days at Barclays. It helped me to learn more about my skills and confirmed my desire to pursue a career in Banking. There were lots of opportunities to get involved and I felt that I learned invaluable industry knowledge.

Value was felt during shadowing exercises where graduates would often talk to us. They genuinely seemed interested and offered impartial advice about their specific service line.

We had many presentations which gave us support and guidance about the different service lines within Barclays. I also found that the employees whom we shadowed were very supportive and answered any of my questions regardless of how silly they were!

I was relatively busy throughout. We were given a strict schedule and there were evening events too which meant that days were long.

Given that it was the insights week, there was limited opportunity for responsibility. However, we were told that there would be significant opportunities for taking on more responsibility during the internship.

It definitely helped my group skills and also gave be a better understanding of the banking sector as a whole.

The atmosphere was good, if anything a little less intense as I had imagined. I felt comfortable around and was made to feel welcome which made such a difference.

Each day followed a structured timetable and although on a couple of days we ran over schedule, it wasn't by too much. In addition, as there were often evening events we would often have to stay late regardless.

The company provided insightful speakers and also facilitated activities which gave me an idea of my strengths and weaknesses. I felt this was a worthwhile investment.

I was fast tracked to the assessment centre for the internship shortly after taking part in the insight week.

We got to socialise at the Barclays organised events. Everyone seemed sociable but I felt that most were very reserved so it was not the ideal situation to socialise and make good friends.

This was all in Central London which is not cheap given that the insight is unpaid. Fortunately most of the socialising is paid for by Barclays.

I didn't get to experience too much of the nightlife in the area. I believe the nightlife is generally much better the further into Central London you go.

Aside from the organised social activities, there were no other activities for the insight students to be part of.