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 is the most enjoyable work I have ever undertaken. The longer I stayed, the more I enjoyed myself and felt more part of the team.
Everyone within the bank went out of their way to make us feel welcome, and to help us in any way. The work we were given was not menial, and had a clear point and purpose. Even very senior executives made time to speak with us, and were genuinely enthusiastic to hear about our experiences and opinions. I will stay in touch with many of my team.
In our day-to-day roles, we were left to approach tasks as we saw fit, although guidance or help was easily obtainable if we were unsure of anything. This in itself was useful as a learning exercise.
This varied at different periods. At the start and end of my placement I was quite busy (although not too busy) which was enjoyable, however there was a period in the middle where I didn't have too much to do.
Whilst the tasks I was involved with were mainly low-level organisational projects, I was allowed to take complete ownership of them and plan my own approach from start to finish.
Many of the skills I learned on my internship will be hugely useful in any number of jobs or roles in the future.
The Company
My office, which was set away from company HQ, was more relaxed and informal (and therefore in my opinion more enjoyable) than HQ.
Virtually seamless, those things not so organised were very minor
Numerous training events laid on for all interns
Subsidised Canteen
Company Parties/Events
Thought I knew what I was doing next year - not so sure now!
The Culture
Have made friends for life. Excellent mix, always good fun.
The main downside of the placement. Price of accomodation meant that virtually all wages were used up. Living costs/socialising also expensive.
Central London - surely the best in the UK
Work dominated much of the time, but were options for some activities and events.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
Banking
London
August 2010