Intern - Assistant Relationship Manager Review

From the outest, I was aiding on key deals working closely with appointed Relationship Director and Manager. The whole team was friendly which helped the settling in process. We had several team lunches and drinks which also helped integration. I did'nt make coffee, not even the once.

As I was assigned tasks that were then used by my manager I feel I was very valued and treated the same, more as a colleague not an intern which was great as I was making a real contribution.

The support has been great from the outset. I have been provided support and guidance from not only my manager but also other team members. I felt completely comfortable approaching other team members for guidance when needed and they were always more than willing to help even during times when they were under their own pressures to complete their work.

Most days I was pretty busy. I was always provided with work to complete and if I required more work I would always be provided this from other RD's and managers as well.

I was given reasonable responsibility. I was assisting on key work and given the opportunity to contribute as much as I could given the lack of knowledge I possessed within the business area. So, therefore understandably I couldn't be given full responsibility for a deal.

The skills I developed such as, absorbing alot of information very quickly, thinking on my feet, communicating professionally with clients will help me in future work as well as academically.

The atmosphere was always great. The team have developed good relationships with one another which definitely helps lighten the mood at times of pressure. Everyone got on well and the lively atmosphere made me want to come into work instead of viewing it as something I should do.

The placement was pretty sophisticated. My desk was next to my manager so I had full support at all times. All interns were invited on a networking event and work was constantly provided.

I didn't receive a training booklet as such or regular progress monitoring meetings but the company helped my development by mentoring me well within my business area.

I would like to think they are pretty high compared to other banks considering Santander only take on a small amount of interns with the intention to convert them into graduate roles. They provide a 2 year graduate scheme which I have been told is quite good. You can work towards a chartered banker qualification whilst learning your job role as a graduate.

The social scene was great. I regularly met up with other interns in London and met for lunch daily with interns based in the same site as me. I often met up with colleagues as well which was a great way of getting to know colleagues outside of work.

The cost of living and socialising was very high being based in central london everything is expensive. On lunch alone expect to spend around £10 per meal and drinks range from £8 plus.

The nightlife was great. There is a great rooftop bar (Madison) nearby where there are great views of St Pauls. It always felt very lively.

The greatest thing about being based in London as opposed to any other city is there is ALWAYS something to do. No day is the same and it is very unlikely that you will feel bored. The only drawback is the lifestyle can be quite expensive.