Summer Intern Review

It was a really well structured internship and we were really supported for the whole programme. We also did two rotations which made the work more interesting.

RBS has a very good culture which makes it very easy to talk to people in your team, even if they have a more senior role. I found that my colleagues were interested in what I was doing and very friendly and helpful if I had any questions.

The Line Managers were really helpful even if they were busy. There was enough work and they gave helpful feedback on a daily basis.

The first rotation was quieter and I found myself asking for work a lot more which was frustrating at times. The second rotation I had a long term project to complete which was better as there was always something to do.

The project I was completing was important, and the research we did was to be used but we were not put in a position where our decision could make or break something. I did get exposure to some client meetings and calls which was good, as you got to see more of what the actual job looks like.

We had an excellent week of training before the internship started which was really helpful especially coming from a non-banking background. During the placement we had lunch and learn sessions in which staff from different areas of the business came and spoke to us which were helpful and also broke up the day. However some of the work set as an intern is not particularly challenging but needs to be done, which you do not learn as fast from. However working in an office itself is a great experience, and by the end I definitely felt more confident in approaching people working around me, particularly those at a more senior level.

Both of my offices had a good atmosphere and the staff generally got on well with each other. However everyone is extremely busy and the work they are doing is important so a lot of the time, it was a fairly serious environment.

The RBS internship is well organised especially once you enrol on the programme. I would have liked more information before I started in particular with sorting out accommodation and tax (perhaps a bit more clarity and help and also a bit earlier). Otherwise I was happy and HR were always really helpful if we had a question.

There were lots of learning and skills events and the week of training to start with. We also had mid reviews and an exit interview. However we did not have goals etc set up. The soft skills workshops we did were also helpful but not featured as much in the programme.

Although RBS are hiring, the global restructuring group in which most of us spent some time in, was downsizing leaving us a bit confused as to whether there might be jobs there by the time we start. Saying that we were frequently told about the future opportunities and we were all aware that we could get a job by the time we rolled off the placement.

RBS did organise some really good social events for us. As well as this our intern class got on well and organised some things between us too. I really enjoyed this aspect of the internship and this exceeded any expectations I had before I started.

London is expensive, rent is expensive and you do end up eating out more. However you are paid enough that it is affordable and you have money left over.

The nightlife in London is fun. There are a few bars where we worked and there are plenty across the city if you organise it.

We had a few events such as an intern sports day and charity work. There is also a young bankers association in the office which we found out about from some of the grads and we joined a few of their activities too.