Summer Intern in Treasury Review

My summer internship at Barclays was a very positive experience for me. The programme itself was very well planned out, with plenty of learning and networking opportunities. More importantly, everyone whom I interacted with not only seemed very intelligent and passionate about their work but also down to earth and fun to work with.

I felt quite valued by my colleagues. However, I had to spend a lot of my time working on an independent project. I wish I could have helped on more tasks that were more directly helpful for the team.

I was very well looked after by my manager and buddy. They were willing to spend a significant amount of time with me on a weekly basis which I was extremely grateful for. The other team members were also very caring and friendly. I felt comfortable raising any questions I had and was able to learn quickly in this way.

Some days were busier than others but I constantly had something to work on. I believe that it is your responsibility to seek out for more work from your team members if you find that you do not have enough to do.

I was given quite a lot of responsibility. I believe this really depends on how proactive you are and the nature of the team one is placed in.

I have become more independent and confident in stepping out of my comfort zone. I was also able to improve on my interpersonal and communication skills during the internship.

I think this really depends on which team you are placed in. Although my team worked very hard, no one took themselves too seriously and everyone was fun to work with. Even the managing directors were very down to earth and approachable.

The summer internship programme was extremely well planned out. There were numerous internship events, such as the 'Women's Initiative Network' Event and the 'Graduate to Managing Director'' Panel Session. I particularly enjoyed the 'Meet the Director/Managing Director Initiative', in which each intern had the rare opportunity to have coffee with four Directors/Managing Directors of their choice.

We were given access to a significant amount of e-learning material prior the internship. There were also three days of training in the first week, which involved training on financial concepts, Excel and professional skills. Throughout the internship, there were also numerous Intern Knowledge Share events in which we learnt about the main responsibilities of the different teams of the division were working in.

Most interns within the Treasury division were offered a full-time Graduate position at the end of the summer internship. My understanding is that upon the completion of the two-year Graduate programme, one can apply to any position in any division within Barclays.

I became very close with the interns in my division which made the whole internship experience a lot more enjoyable. We went out for regular drinks after work.

Drinking in Canary Wharf is in general quite expensive. I believe the Barclays cantine should be more subsidised.

I think it is quite good, although I did not get a chance to fully explore it!

Yes, there are multitude of different societies within Barclays that interns are free to join.