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
Working at Santander was an incredible experience that surpassed expectations. All colleagues were extremely friendly and approachable, no matter how high up in the organisation they are. The insight and knowledge gained has been second to none.
The high level of work and responsibility given to me by the team made me forget I was just an intern. I was treated in the same way as everyone else, and this added to the great experience. The working atmosphere was ideal to thrive.
Support was always available, with constant reassurance that there are no stupid questions. From queries relating to technical knowledge to excel troubles, there was always a friendly member of the team eager to help in any way possible
Just the right amount of work, at times I had to stay late to finish the tasks but this was totally a free choice. Even in times of a large to-do list I was thoroughly enjoying the experience as the tasks were relevant and interesting.
Great exposure to high level documents and activities that were to be signed of by executives. New projects were exciting and it was clear that these were no "keep the intern busy" tasks.
I have learnt so much in terms of corporate banking, but also about myself. The key skills I have developed will help me excel at university and hopefully into a graduate placement.
The Company
The balance was perfect between work and informal chat and conversation. Every member of the team maintained a high level of work efficiency throughout, whilst still contributing to the high morale and teamwork atmosphere. This helped to relax me into the work and deliver high quality results.
Some HR niggles initially, but once all set up there were no problems. The experience flowed perfectly and seems to have flown by unfortunately!
My managers and other colleagues were keen and flexible in terms of my requests to get to know other areas of the bank, and spend time working in other teams. As well as general skills, I could apply what I had learnt to my base and work to a higher quality as a result
National Travel
Company Parties/Events
Very appealing, with a very exciting graduate opportunity for which all interns are entered into a "fast track" application process. I am very enthusiastic about the graduate scheme after speaking with many colleagues on it during my internship
The Culture
Always invited for post-work drinks and meals, with both other interns and the team as a whole. Also organised leaving drinks for me which was a great way to end my internship and thank everyone for the experience
Based in London so generally expensive, however there was always a huge choice of things to do and see. Would definitely recommend a London banking experience as a great and enjoyable challenge.
Bars were always very busy after work, often with queues at those most popular. Being in Central London came at a financial cost, but it was worth it.
As already mentioned, always invited to after work activities with colleagues on the graduate scheme, as well as the team and other interns.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
London
September 2014