Spring Intern Review

The entire week was very enjoyable - it was busy and they made us work hard, but I enjoyed every moment of it.

I felt highly valued the entire week: we were provided with great accommodation (modern serviced apartments a 5-minute walk away from the venue; each room with an ensuite bathroom), great food (breakfast, lunch and snacks were always provided; unlimited tea, coffee and fruit; we even got dinner once) and lots of other little perks. I also felt valued with regards to how we were treated: all the Barclays employees we interacted with were very helpful, respectful and made us feel like they appreciated us being there.

We were provided with guidance and insight at every point - we met several (somewhere around 50) people from all levels of Barclays (with an emphasis on graduates) and always had the opportunity to ask lots of questions. Everybody was very helpful and gave extensive answers to all our questions.

The placement wasn't directly relevant to my Economics degree, but after several workshops, spotlight sessions about different departments and student presentations, I now have a much better understanding of many elements of banking, especially regulation and Basel III. Many skills we worked on - such as presentation, interview and networking skills - will surely be helpful in other situations, even if not strictly academic ones.

The insight was structured around different "spotlight sessions" (about various departments), work shadowing, networking events and workshops (e.g. about networking or interviews) as well as the occasional talk. It was quite well structured and there was a good balance between interactive and more laid-back activities. However, I would have appreciated more emphasis and time dedicated to things such as debates and student activities, and even more workshops.

The general atmosphere was very friendly and supportive, but also motivating and professional.

We had workshops about interview, presentation and networking skills. These were really good and very useful, and we had some additional bits and pieces as we went along, but I would've appreciated even more similar workshops, such as one on CVs.

We spent a lot of time talking to people at all levels and in all jobs at Barclays, and the work shadowing was especially useful. However, even more work shadowing would have been better - some of them (e.g. treasury and compliance) were very good as we got to see people "in action," but for others (e.g. finance), they just talked to us and we didn't really get a better understanding of what it is they do every day.

Very much - we learned a lot about the Barclays Values and also the corporate culture that Andy Jenkins has been incorporating into the company.

Very valuable - even if for some things, it was the realization that they're not for me and I wouldn't enjoy doing them, it definitely gave me a much clearer view on what I want to do.

I was reimbursed expenses and paid £250.

Lots of opportunities - we met with over 50 people and had the opportunity to network with around 100!

We had one netowrking event, but I would have appreciated more social events.

A bit, but this wasn't really emphasized as much as what they do at work.

Definitely - all in all an enjoyable, insightful and rewarding experience!