This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
-
The Role
-
The Company
-
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
Very much so. Working in a large organisation can be a daunting prospect, but the
I felt immediately welcomed by the team and it was regularly communicated to me that my work was adding real value to our collective goals. The use of some of my work materials my colleagues demonstrated this.
I was working in a small team. Both of my colleagues were extremely supportive and helpful in guidance when I required it. They were also quick to help suggest improvements in work I produced.
Some days were quieter than others, but the Objectives system used by Barclays during the internship means that the majority of interns have an individual project to deliver by the internship. This means that any quieter hours/days can be filled in meeting that objective.
I felt that I was given quite substantial responsibility at times - for example, with one other colleague I redesigned a headline newsletter for widespread distribution throughout the firm. I was also solely responsible for proof reading an important document.
Immensely - the best way to experience the commercial world is to work in it. Without having done this before, I now have much greater commercial awareness as I complete my Masters degree.
The Company
Generally relaxed and fun.
It would be very difficult to criticise Barclays on this point. The whole 9 weeks seemed to be meticulously planned, with regular events to socialise with other interns.
I feel that Barclays invested in me to a very large extent. The organisation of the internship, the skills fostered and the dedication to continued learning and improvement demonstrate this.
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Subsidised/Company Gym
Company Parties/Events
I received a job offer following the internship.
The Culture
I regularly went for dinner or drinks with other interns. Barclays also organises events throughout the internship for the interns to meet each other and catch up.
London is, of course, expensive - but it's also the greatest city on earth!
Canary Wharf is quite active in the evenings, particularly during the summer. I regularly went out to the nearby bars with colleagues after work.
Barclays has many societies and sports clubs, so there are plenty of opportunities for those who want to take them.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
Banking, Legal/Law
London
November 2014