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
This was the most intellectually challenging job I've ever had. I had to think on my feet and I wasn't guided every step along the way which was good. I had to plan my own schedule and choose who to meet to find out the things I needed to find out. My colleagues and fellow interns were very smart and this only spurred me on try and reach my potential.
I often felt as if my colleagues merely acknowledged deliverable material I sent as opposed to either making use of it or providing me with feedback. However, my input was sometimes called upon.
Support was usually forthcoming but usually I had to ask a few times.
There were periods where I was very busy and periods where I felt like time was just passing me by. Sometimes, in order to progress with a project, I had to wait for approval or ratification from a different business area so this was understandable
Some big meetings were based on my findings and my work. This meant that I was accountable and my work was being scrutinized. The onus was on me to triple-check deliverable material.
I felt like my professionalism vastly improved. I have become more adept in terms of business acumen and exercising my judgement. I take more care in work and try to be more meticulous.
The Company
The general atmosphere was one of a hardworking team. Collaboration was quite common and talk only really revolved around work. People in my particular team didn't really speak to each other unless they felt it necessary but this varied from team to team
The structure was very good. The initial training really enthused us about the weeks ahead. In terms of technology in particular, the internship wasn't that structured. Training was mostly on the job and the time was yours.
We had a motivational speaker come to speak to us. This gave us an insight into tips for potential maximization. The soft skills were honed through presentations and feedback.
Company Parties/Events
It's very hard to tell. They keep their cards close to their chests.
The Culture
This years cohort was one where everybody was up for socialising. It was a work-hard/play-hard culture that meant that producing your best work only tasted sweeter once alfresco camaraderie was built
Central London was never going to be cheap but if you look in the right places and visit the right markets, bargains can be found. The compensation from UBS more than contributed to being able to socialise as much as possible so this really wasn't a problem. Where there's a will, there's a way
The best in the country. Happy hours meant that normal prices could be salvaged and the atmosphere was buzzing.
The community affairs programme meant that you could potentially volunteer or indulge in sport at least once a week. They are very rewarding and earn you brownie points with employers.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
Investment Banking
London
August 2013