Spring Intern - Front Office Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the spring programme - incredibly insightful and great to be within a group of like-minded people.

I feel very valued during the week. The firm invests a lot of their time, resources and effort into putting together a comprehensive Spring Week for their interns.

During the insight, a lot of support was given regarding any questions about the firm, the structure of the bank and individual divisions - all Barclays reps more than happy to answers any questions you may have. However, little guidance was given for the group project.

The insight programme helped develop my knowledge about the financial world and how the different divisions work together - this will be helpful within my degree studies and my economic modules in particular, by raising my commercial awareness of current trends and the challenges that will face the industry in the future. Moreover, the various networking sessions available helped enhance my communication skills in a professional environment, which will be invaluable for any career path.

Very well structured - never a spare moment, arguably too intense to start off with especially. The first three days were dedicated to developing knowledge about three main business areas (Banking, Markets and PCB & Barclaycard) through presentations, case study exercises as well as networking with the relevant Barclays representatives. The latter two days included two invaluable work shadowing mornings in two different business areas, and time to work on the group project presentation.

Fairly competitive - especially since it was pointed out that we were being continually assessed throughout the week. Also, dominant personalities among the Spring interns could overpower certain discussions and presentations, making it difficult for others to benefit as much.

Barclays invested heavily in fostering a broad understanding of the structure and work of the bank in order for us to be able to make an informed decision about where we may like to work in the future - we were constantly learning throughout the programme.

Very clear insight into what a full time role in Barclays (particularly on the graduate scheme) would entail. A range of levels of Barclays employees (from first year analysts to MDs) was especially important for this.

The Spring Programme was very helpful in understanding Barclays' company culture - particular focus on their Values and Corporate Strategy. Moreover, there seems to be an emphasis on improving mobility between different areas of the bank (whether it be business area, asset class, country etc.)

Content of insight week completely clarified my thoughts for my future career. At the beginning of the week, I had little idea of which area at all I would like to come into, but by the end of the week, I had a very clear idea of where I may like to work, and definitely the areas where I would definitely not like to work in also.

Travel expenses to and from London were reimbursed (everyday travel to venue within London was not however). We were also paid £250 for participating in the programme.

Lots of opportunities for networking. Plenty of informal chances throughout the programme during presentations, case study exercises etc. but one evening was dedicated entirely to networking with reps across the firm. However, the best opportunity to network was on the last day, which allowed us to speak with employees on a 1-to-1 basis for around 5 minutes about whichever topics we liked.

Networking opportunities during the week (besides the evening and the session on the last day) were heavily group-oriented, not allowing quieter members of the group to ask their questions, However, a more free-flowing networking opportunity allowed us to talk to reps from all areas of the bank (including Technology and Business Functions)

Little information found about this. Some mention of different networks within Barclays.

Yes, absolutely!