This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
It was an exciting and stimulating application of university economics along with broadening previously untouched horizons, such as behavioural finance applications.
The work undertaken was used in final publications so there was utility to what I was doing. Furthermore, I was always incorporated into company evenings and broker events.
I had a line manager who was my primary point of contact for work who was always willing to offer adive and guidance. Furthermore, there were supportive staff in the company from human resources and other departments.
There was genuinely a great balance. Working hours were strictly 8-5 (there was no expectation to stay after work). That being said, a high degree of productivity was expected within that time which is an important life skill.
As mentioned, my writing was incorporated into company publications so there was an expected hgih level of work which required a degree of responsibility.
Pro vita. Undoubtedly, a 12 week long internship is bound to teach you evident skills of time management, productivity, independent thought and organisation. However, there was further development. I learned to scrutinise/evaluate what I heard and read, to write in a concise manner and judge valid arguments even if they were quantitative based,
The Company
It was an environment that was conducive to working. i.e. it was easy to approach someone for guidance and debate but, equally, it was quiet enough to concentrate. A major attribute to SLI is the open floor plan as it made everyone approachable.
There were regular lunchtime learnings sessions. I was given a lot of information and help when I arrived and people were willing to sacrifice time to provide guidance. This ascended to more senior employees as well.
An excel/VBA course was provided, we were given access to Datastream and, when possible, Bloomberg. The company provided the platform to learn and develop but, rightful, it was up to the individual intern to seize that opportunity.
Company Parties/Events
Staff Sales/Staff Shop
This is completely dependent on the company. I have been incredibly impressed with the company and would be thrilled with the opportunity to join after graduation.
The Culture
Regular company evenings and broker events. There was a great group of interns as well.
Accommodation was provided which was a huge perk. It's a capital city so one would not expect everyhting to be cheap (cheaper than London though).
The Edinburgh Fringe runs throughout August so one could never complain about not having enough to do.
The Edinburgh Fringe runs throughout August so one could never complain about not having enough to do.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
Banking, Financial Management
Scotland
August 2013