Spring Programme Review

I have enjoyed the Speong Programme to a great degree, through my exposure to junior and senior individuals across Barclays' Front Office, allowing me to understand the bank's structure much more comprehensively. I have enjoyed the times where I have been placed outside of my comfort zone, having to perform under pressure.

I feel valued in terms of being treated respectfully by all staff members I have met, as well as the fellow students on the programme. Maybe individual feedback could be provided slightly more to allow each student to address their own faults as well as the group as a whole.

I have received an abundance of support through the development of my knowledge of the bank via interactive presentations and networking events. Any support that is required by anyone, I am sure this will be readily provided by Barclays at any time.

I believe these new skills, with enhanced team working and communication, I will be able to partake within classes at university more, along with supplementing my economic intuition directly for my upcoming examinations.

I believe the programme was efficiently organised and clearly communicated at the beginning of the programme, as well as any time frames being kept to to ensure as much information from as many divisions as possible was transmitted to us.

I believe the atmosphere was very professional, focused and motivated, as well as competitive. This is because students were trying to stand out from one another to be selected to be fast-tracked to an interview for a Summer internship.

In general amongst the student cohort on this programme, the firm gifted us with guides to Investment Banking as well as providing a great deal of contact with experienced, knowledgeable individuals so a high level of investment came across to me personally.

For my personal preference, being trading, I was able to shadow a trader on the Barclays Trading Floor, who explained his role and day to day operations he carries out. On the other hand, because we were not able to go up to the Banking Floor, we were unable to receive tangible experience with respect to this department.

The Barclays RISES values were extremely well explained by a variety of staff, who provided real-life examples as to how these cultures and values are applied each day.

This content was extremely helpful in aiding my future careers decisions, allowing me to choose a particular part of the bank in which I wish to enter in years to come.

I was paid and reimbursed expenses. All travel expenses were paid as well as a fee to supplement our time spent on the Spring Programme itself.

Various opportunities including a networking evening with individuals from across the divisions were provided, as well as several rotations from people in different roles who provided a lot of explanation.

Networking events were very impressive, although other social events I am unaware of.

Even though the agenda was primarily focused on in work activities, I still understand that Barclays provide many volunteering opportunities to their employees.

I certainly would recommend this programme to anyone interested in the industry.