Compliance Analyst (Conduct Risk) Review

I really enjoyed my time at Barclays, it is very much a sink or swim place I think though if your on the scheme you are likely going to be a swimmer they make sure of this during the recruitment process. Yes it was a steep learning curve but with that comes real day to day learning and you probably don't realise into the end quite how much you have developed in your time there. My fellow interns were all great and we gelled very well together which I think enriched the experience even more. There are opportunities to socialise and network and there was also a great end of internship party too. All the other staff at Barclays are very open and friendly. They are typically always happy to explain things to you all you need to do is ask.

I felt highly valued by my different teams and I think they really made this known on the final few days when they knew I was leaving. That said throughout the process I felt colleagues truly cared about the work I was doing with them and valued my input. I feel I managed to develop a strong rapport with my teams some of the PA's and also with the other interns. I think you just have to put yourself out there and get to know as many people as you can!

My manager was at Director level though he had just taken on alot of new responsibilities so I would say he was a great deal busier than some other line managers/supervisors; that said we always tried to find time to catch up where it was possible and he would make time for me if I did not understand something or needed clarification on a task. Ultimately however your manager/supervisor should not always be your first point of call for support, I always tried to show initiative in seeking out other colleagues who would often give me the support/help I needed. I also had a secondary manager/supervisor that I knew could also give me some support also so I think it was quite rare that I even felt on my own. This is always going to depend on the workload of your manager.

This depends very much on your role, e.g. do you have daily deliverable or are you more on projects which span a longer amount of time and therefore you may end up having to do other tasks whilst waiting on colleagues to deliver, I was probably in the latter position more, though I would always try to manage my work as best I could and try and source alternative projects/work when I could. You always will have something to do or something you can help with, if you dont then ask if you can support someone else in the meantime! Remember you are an intern, they will not give you critical responsibilities straight away but give it time and demonstrate your effectiveness and you will get busier toward the end.

As mentioned above responsibility is going to depend on how you convey yourself, it is something that develops over time do not expect a lot to begin with. By the end however you will have seen your growth in this area and should notice this in the feedback of your management and colleagues. On my placement I would say the level of responsibility was appropriate for me.

The skills I have learned at Barclays are definitely skills for life. Things like project management, networking, priority setting, financial awareness have all been growth areas for me. The financial training in the first week is taught by people who have been in the industry for a long time and gives you a solid base to build on. There is definitely no substitute for just getting in the workplace and getting stuck in, this is when you develop and change the most when you are outside of your 'comfort zone'. A degree alone does not prepare you for work that is a simple fact. I would say I am definitely a more savvy and business minded individual after my time at Barclays,

I was based in the Investment Bank which I think has a certain stigma attached to it. All I can say is that everyone was very approachable and willing to give you their time. We had a social midway through for the Investment Bank which I and my fellow interns help to organise and it was great to see everyone laughing and having a good time.

HR were very quick to contact me with the offer after my assessment day so this really impressed me. The socials and end of internship event were also very good and a great chance to relax and meet people outside your areas. Perhaps be prepared for a bit of short notice with regard to some events but that is how work is.

The whole internship is an investment in you as from it they look to take graduates for their programme the following year. So they are already doing this from day 1 with training and your own buddy/mentor to help guide you. Also remember they are paying you, they want you to feel valued, develop and want to stay. Looking forward in my area I would expect this investment only to increase.

I would say in my area very appealing, it is being built out with a definite passion/drive. Not to mention the financial benefits and real opportunities for advancement and continued professional development through industry recognized qualifications. To be honest probably the best intuition/firm to be in for my area.

As an internship cohort there was a good friendship between all of us, there was never any competitiveness. After work drinks/dinners would be a regular thing every week and there are of course the structured events which Campus Recruitment run also. Of course this will depend on the other people on your scheme to some extent but you are all in the same position. I still speak to and stay in contact with a lot of the other interns on my programme.

I commuted from home so my cost of living was less, though travel probably reached £400 per month dont worry though as Barclays provide an allowance for this. I cant speak for people who rented in London but expect to pay a premium however the allowance should cover it if you live within reason. Of course drinks/beers will depend on the area but Canary Wharf is premium/high prices. Expect £4 a pint ish. Conclusion, it is expensive but just manage your money effectively and dont go too crazy too often.

Canary Wharf isn't exactly renowned for its nightlife but there are some good bars and restaurants which are always teeming after-work in particular Thursday and Fridays. If you want to go clubbing then head into Central or Shoreditch etc...

There are sports teams and various things you can do, as you are there for only 9 weeks there is obviously a limited amount you can do and if you commute like myself you will find free time becomes a highly valued luxury. I didnt really have too much time to seek anything out myself.