Operations Review

Interesting insight to the banking industry. Team work pays an integral part in this company, with so many different areas having to cooperate with each other. It was interesting talking to grads on their short experience there, as well as talking to more senior people who explained how the company has improved enormously since they started there.

My internship started slowly. However, as I became more familiar with how the company operates and the systems that they use, I was given projects of my own; projects that had meaningful outcomes for the company.

The support and guidance given by my managers was excellent. When I first arrived they gave me a great outline of their roles, how I would fit into the team, and explanations of the systems they use. After that, they supported me when I needed it. It was clear to see that they were always very busy, but if they weren't on a call, they were more than happy to talk you through something if you needed help.

To begin with, I wasn't very busy at all. However, by week 4/5 I was having around 3 calls a day in between working on 3/4 different tasks. A manageable workload, that still gave you time for breaks in between.

When I first started the internship, I questioned just how much responsibility you could get from a 10 week placement. However, my management team were very organised, and planned projects that they knew could be completed within the 10 weeks; thus the responsibility I had wasn't overbearing, but a very reasonable standard.

The role wouldn't directly relate to all of my university modules, although it would help me with some. The experience has been more beneficial in developing my soft skills. This will be helpful when communicating in group work, suggesting ideas, and also during presentations.

A very professional office, but also a lot more relaxed than I expected.

It was a shame that I didn't receive my login details until a week in. But my team were very proactive, and found work for me in the mean time. After that, my team had a number of tasks lined up for me, and had arranged for several trips to other offices and branches too.

You have a number of mandatory training modules to complete within your first month. On terms of personal training and development, I visited a number of our offices such as Teesside, Glasgow and Milton Keynes. This gave me a chance to see a host of different processes in action, which really developed my understanding of how the company operates.

There's a great chance to get back on to the grad scheme if you can impress during your internship. So it really is an opportunity to express an interest in the company, work hard and make contacts within Santander.

We didn't get to meet the other interns until 3 weeks in to the placement which was a shame. But we see each other now on a weekly basis. It's a good chance again, to get an insight in to what other areas of the company do.

I live at home, in Kent so it is a bit different for me. But the other interns live in London, where prices are renowned for being extortionate.

Plenty to do in London, no matter where your interests lie!

Depends on the teams you work in, and also who you get to know. I know many people that get involved in 5-a-side football, golf competitions, and many charity events too.