Spring Technology Intern Review

The structure of the programme was fantastic, and there was not a moment in the entire week that you were left without something to do. I was able to obtain great insight into the company through extensive work shadowing, and also the opportunity to develop soft skills (presentation skills, team work, business writing) that are fundamental to this sector.

The culture at Barclays is one of the best I have experienced. Each individual that I spoke to during the networking sessions that were arranged as part of the programme was engaging, friendly, and willing to talk to you at great lengths about their roles within the firm. The overall atmosphere created through the structure of the week meant that it was really easy to make friends with the other candidates on the programme, which helped enhance the experience throughout the programme.

There were many sessions throughout the week that were arranged to help us decide which areas within the business we would like to work within, as well as continual support with any questions or issues that you had throughout the week.

The programme had a strong emphasis on building fundamental skills applicable to this sector - specifically through the development of a group presentation which was ongoing throughout the week. The skills I gained throughout my insight week have given me confidence in my ability to achieve not only within the financial sector, but also within my degree at university.

The programme was organisation was fantastic. There was a wealth of activities on each day, and at no point during the week did I feel as though I had nothing to do.

The atmosphere was also great! The other structure of the programme meant that the ice was broken very quickly with the other candidates, and this help develop a great environment for the duration of the insight week. The atmosphere within the business itself was also very vibrant and definitely helped with my decision about wanting to pursue a career in the financial sector.

Barclays are willing to give so much to there candidates. There were many invaluable external skills sessions that were organised which helped with preparing us for a future within the industry. You really do feel valued within the business.

Through work shadowing we were able to gain an insight into the divisions which we would like to work within if a career in the financial sector was something that we wanted to pursue.

The ongoing theme of the week was about truly understanding Barclays, and what they believe in. I feel that I gained a strong insight into their core values; something that I think is particularly important within this sector.

The combination of both work shadowing, skills sessions and networking really did help to give the best possible overview of the business. This was invaluable in helping me decide that the financial services industry is the right career path for me.

Barclays paid for travel to and from the event, and also overnight accommodation at nearby apartments if needed. They also gave an additional £250 to each candidate to cover any additional expenses that were amounted throughout the week.

There were 2 organised networking events, and also many opportunities to meet with employees to discuss any questions that you may have about the business. The networking events were well organised and populated with important people from the firm. They were a very valuable part of the experience.

Excellent opportunity to make contacts within the business, as well as getting to know a bit more about your fellow candidates. They were an integral part of the week that I really enjoyed.

At Barclays there are many opportunities to get involved with things that you love to do outside of the office environment. For example employees that I spoke to had enjoyed going on residential weekends as part of the graduate programme.

The experience I had was absolutely fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about a career within the financial services.