Summer Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my 9 week internship with Barclays. Not only was the work interesting and challenging but I was a genuinely valued member of the team I was placed in. I was sad when my time with Barclays ended and would happily have stayed on past the internship dates because I felt so comfortable in my role

My colleagues, whether they were other interns or members of staff very high up in the company treated me with respect and were genuinely interested in my opinions and ideas. The team I was placed in to work with were the most helpful, encouraging and engaging group of people I could've hoped for.

I never felt that I couldn't ask for advice or guidance from anyone. Whoever I turned to within Barclays helped me in the first instance and then proceeded to provide support until I felt totally confident with my tasks.

I was given a challenging, yet manageable, amount of work to do daily. I always felt that I was contributing and never felt that I was left 'twiddling my thumbs' at my desk. I was learning something new every day and was given such a broad, interesting set of work that I looked forward to coming into work.

I was surprised at how much responsibility I was given! It was an exciting and daunting prospect in equal measure but once I got into my stride, I felt so comfortable running international calls, confidently speaking up in team meetings and submitting work.

I have found my skills gained at Barclays invaluable. From my new confidence at public speaking, to my more in depth knowledge of the financial industry, I felt that Barclays has prepared me so well for a career once I graduate university. I apply many of my skills from my Barclays experience to my everyday university work and has benefitted this work tenfold.

All colleagues were friendly, welcoming and professional in equal measure. I found the environment very easy to work in and felt that, by bouncing ideas off of other colleagues, I was able to be very creative and genuinely enjoy my tasks.

The internship was excellent. Any correspondences with campus recruitment staff were helpful and professional. The different events and talks that were organised for the interns were an excellent opportunity to learn more about the company and interact with fellow interns and colleagues outside of the workplace.

The training and development that we received was flawless and left us fully prepared for our internship and careers after the internship. I always felt that we were an important part in Barclays' future and that the company was investing in us fully.

I was absolutely elated when I received an offer from Barclays to join them on their graduate scheme in 2015 and am excited to become a full-time part of a company I thoroughly enjoyed working for.

We were provided with plenty of social opportunities including an excellent intern sports day and BBQ which was such a great way to connect with my fellow interns and make friends within the internship scheme that I will be friends with for years to come.

London isn't a conventionally cheap place to live but Barclays paid us very well and made socialising a viable option rather than struggling to have a good work/life balance.

There were many bars and pubs in the canary wharf area which were visited by interns and of course there were excellent clubs in the city. Generally, London is full of great and different places to go out.

There were plenty of opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work - whether organised by the interns or by Barclays itself - from street dance competitions to group trips to surrounding bars to get to know fellow interns better.