This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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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
I suffered a lack of variety in my work, though it is important to note this was not the case for every intern, it depends entirely on the project/role to which you are allocated.
I felt valued by all colleagues as they didnt treat me like I was a placement student, thrusting me to do work as if I was a graduate and been at the company for a few years. I was given training for the role just like the intake of graduates.
The tool that we were working with for Data Assurance was quite hard, and I hadn't used it before. The staff gave a lot of support and guidance in making me comfortable with this tool. They also organised a large variety of different tasks in different area of the business, which was great. I also had a 'People Manager', who was there to help me with my growth, and I feel that I gained a lot more out of the internship because of the support and guidance that she gave me.
Depending on whether or not I was on a project dictated how busy I was. Project came thick and fast so I was always kept busy and often do more hours than the 9-5 to complete deadlines. Having said this it is definitely better being busy as the days go a lot quicker and you will learn more.
I was given the right amount of responsibilty considering my experience. I was entrusted to do work which would ultimately be fed back to partners and clients but was never thrown in the deep end and given something that was super important and could change the project
Time management and work ethic are just two things that I will take back to Uni with me. Sector knowledge and training on programmes such as excel will certainly be useful come my final year. I developed confidence when meeting new people and also learnt the importance of checking work vigorously as it could lead to errors which are spotted by the client.
The Company
Friendly, welcoming and fun. You do not feel out of place and everyone is on the same level as you. All grades up to partner sit in an open plan seating area so communication is easier and you dont feel as intimidated by managers as you get to know them better by sitting with them
The process of allocation of roles on projects within the company is not ideal, you may not be aligned to an area in which you have an interest.
The bank invested a lot of time and money into my development. I was able to work in several different offices and lots of diverse projects, ranging from retail to mining and engineering in all parts of the world. I was given the same opportunities as everyone else in the team to travel which certainly helped my development.
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Company Parties/Events
Very good. I got a job offer from them! Furthermore, BOE operates a system where most employees are promoted every year, so prospects are very promising within the firm.
The Culture
Yes. The other interns were quite social, going to pubs and other places regularly. BOE also organises regular social events in the pub next door to the office, and staff were also regularly bringing donuts into the office to improve the atmosphere and make it move fun.
London is very expensive but I think you will always find an place with reasonable price.
Its London. You can find anything you want.
Events such as white collar boxing has been set up, 'ride the nation', (a cycling event to raise money for charity) as well as marathons, pilates etc. Within the city there is also plenty to do with loads of sports clubs in the local area.
Details
Internship (1 Month+)
London
June 2015