Global Banking & Markets Summer Intern Review

I enjoyed it quite a lot, reason being, the internship was a rotational one. Therefore, as an intern I got to experience the various front office functions of the bank; and this gave me a feel for where I wanted to pursue my career.

During the initial one-week rotations on the desks (Equity Derivatives, DCM/Syndicate, Corporate Sales, Corporate & Investment Banking and Wholesale Funding) it was quite fast so most of it was spent learning. However, once we were assigned to a specific desk for the remaining five weeks I felt like a part of the team. Not as an intern but as a graduate analyst.

HR and the Administrative team were always available when needed, especially when it came to room bookings for presentations, etc. On the desk, everyone was approachable, but it is always best to time your discussions as some members of the team were very busy - and this could distract them.

It varies, especially depending on what desk you were on. During the summer period (august specifically), the markets are quite quiet so if you are market focused it could be quite dull. Nonetheless, we were given desk-specific projects alongside the daily desk work, so there was always something to do. But as September kicked in the markets re-opened and there was a lot of activity.

I was given quite a lot of responsibility during my internship, especially for an intern. I spent the majority of my time on the Debt Capital Markets/Syndicate desk and I was responsible for preparing and editing pricing updates and client presentations - which were then sent off to clients. Furthermore, I attended various senior meeting and was given the opportunity to build a scenario analysis based on the findings.

I am currently in my final year of university, and I would say the presentation, excel and powerpoint skills will assist me greatly in my studies. Not solely in university, but for my future career.

Very welcoming, the investment baking arm of Santander is very unique in nature. The people are always willing to help, even if you are not in their respective division. I was able to spend some time on the FX Options Trading Desk since I had an interest in FX.

The internship programme was set up really well. As stated previously, there were five rotations, thereafter we chose a specific desk in which we wanted to remain on for the remaining duration of the internship. Every week, for the first five weeks, we were given group challenges, in which we had to present to senior members of staff (VPs, Executive Directors, Managing Directors).

We got weekly feedback on our performance as a group, and if we requested we could get feedback on our individual performances. I was able to sit with my line manager on various occasions, and he gave me insight into my performance and areas in which I could improve.

There are currently no graduate positions for the Global Banking & Markets Division. However, from discussions with managers, it looks as if this is soon to change as Santander expands their investment banking operations. Although there are positions in other divisions such as Risk, Operations, Commercial Banking, etc.

Most of the general interaction was with other interns at Santander, since other banks are located in the Square Mile and Canary Wharf - which is not too close to the Santander Headquarters.

I live in London so it was quite normal to me, nothing really changed. For those living outside of London and renting for instance, the cost of living may be a bit daunting as you have to pay for transport, rent, food, etc.

There are a few bars close by, and Oxford Street is very close so there are loads of activities to get involved in at night.

Yes, there was. In our last week, we were challenged with fundraising for Santander's chosen charity of the year. This involved organising charity games inside and outside of work.