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
As with any job, bits were less interesting. Overall, it was enjoyable.
Definitely valued as a colleague - not being treated like a peasant by those more senior. Both socially and in work, this was impressive. Even MDs would frequently go to buy coffee for everyone on the desk, including interns.
Enough to understand and learn, but little enough to keep it a challenge. The onus is on you to reach out to those with answers.
Some periods were busy but it was generally quite relaxed (normal for Summer season in investment banking). Had a few moments with nothing to do.
Impressive, to a practical extent. Most responsibility is internal, and we were left to run processes ourselves. This varies per desk - some tend to be more based on tedious excel work.
Soft skills are obviously the most transferrable. Powerpoint, excel, and presentation skills are the most relevant. There was little technical content that will help in the future.
The Company
Very professional, but with a lot of good banter. This very much depends on the desk. Transaction services and advisory tend to be quieter, whereas more client facing desks (coverage) are more lively and laid back.
Great programme of vocational and social events. Some desks could have been better prepared for interns but this wasn't the end of the world.
'Lunch and learn' sessions helped us get a good overview of all the IB divisions but there was an absence of in-depth technical training. The training week at the beginning was good, but focussed mainly on corporate banking (not investment banking).
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Company Parties/Events
Everyone is rated according to two rotations and a group presentation task at the end of the summer.
The Culture
Plenty going on, either organised by RBS or by the interns.
London.. Still affordable though, given the pay.
London has plenty going on
Sports and drinks events. Senior speaker events are common and quite good.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
Commercial Banking, Investment Banking
London
August 2013