Summer Analyst Review

A well structured training schedule that allowed me to learn about all parts of the business. It allowed me to get an insight on how a global firm operates whilst still maintaining one of their core principals of being a 'One BlackRock'.

From the first day, I felt like part of the team. Everyone was very helpful at all levels, ranging from new grads to managing directors.

BlackRock is very unique in the way how closely you are able to work with your manager. I received constant guidance and feedback from my manager, allowing me to make the most out of my ten weeks.

There were a few limitations as to what I could do as an intern - understandably as it is very sensitive information that we work with at BlackRock. That being said, I was still given several tasks and projects throughout the internship and was never turned away if asked to help others in the team. I think the important thing to note is that you can be as busy as you want to be - if you ask for work, you can get it.

Similarly as before, there are a few limitations as to what all you get the opportunity to do in the ten weeks due to the sensitivity of the information. I don't believe there are many company's which would allow you to do much more.

Being in my penultimate year, this internship has taught me a lot for going into final year - you realize how little university life prepares you for working life. One essential key skill you learn is the art of time management. We were given a challenge to do throughout the summer which had to be done outside of working hours so I had to learn how to juggle my day-to-day job while still working on my challenge - this gives no other option but to manage your time wisely and will be vital for any future employer.

My experience in the office was extremely positive - it helped that everyone seemed to enjoy their job.

The internship began with a three-day orientation in London which was very well organized. The orientation involved speeches from different departments to get everyone up to speed with what exactly the company does (especially for those not coming from a finance background). There were also networking opportunities that allowed you to meet all the other interns and some people currently working in BlackRock. After orientation, we started work in the office where we had a training schedule for the ten weeks which consisted of at least two training sessions a day.

BlackRock invest a lot more than money in the internship programme. They invest a lot of time and resources in trying to develop the interns with the hope that they will come back the following year for a graduate job - there are not many company's where you could say that.

By receiving constant feedback, you can tell BlackRock want you to develop and be ideal for the graduate job. I have receive tips on where I can improve/ what I'm doing right and have been told on several occasions that they want us to have fun during the internship so we will want to come back as a graduate. Not many people can say they already have a graduate job going into final year and I think the prospects with BlackRock post-internship are much better than with any other company.

There were endless social events and networking opportunities during my time. Whether it was evening drinks, Go Ape or going for dinner with some important people, you had the opportunity to socialize with the other interns as well as other employees.

Edinburgh is a reasonably priced city, however during the month of August, prices tend to bump up due to the festival.

The fringe festival in August means there are endless shows you can see after work and there is a constant buzz around the city - no time to be bored!

Edinburgh is a great city with the opportunity to partake in numerous activities whatever your hobby may be.