Trading intern Review

The internship was relatively enjoyable and it was an eyeopening experience into an investment bank. I was able to clear up a lot of myths and stories about the industry and found out what it the trading floor was actually like.

The colleagues treated us fairly. No discrimination or harshness which often are described in books or the internet.

My manager for the first 6 weeks was very supportive. However, I could not say the same for my "buddy". They were a little too focused on their work, so that helping and supporting their assigned intern was not in their mind at all. For the last three weeks, it improved, on that my buddy and manager on the new desk were more interested in bringing up an intern.

For the first 6 weeks, due to the issue I had with my buddy, I was very, very free. This was extremely demotivating, since most other interns had their own projects to be doing and were also being taught about the technicals behind the work they were set to do. Consequently, once I rotated desks after 6 weeks, my knowledge of the products were sub-par to what the desk was expecting, and hindered my chances of making an impression. During the free times, I spent most of the time sitting with people from across the trading floor and tried to find out more about each function, and to not waste my time during the internship entirely.

Very little. Especially given that my first project was assigned to me half way through the internship, and everything else prior to that was menial excel work, I was rather disappointed. I understand that there are regulations, but given the duration of the internship, I feel I've been let down.

Given my issue with lack of training from my desk, here are the verdict: To my degree studies, very little to none. To my future prospects, a little, since the small amount I was taught will likely come in useful in future, should I choose to work in this industry.

The atmosphere in the office is great. It was exactly how I expected it to be, with loud shouting, cheers and swearing upon market movement/data. If I am to choose my career based purely on environment, this is the place I would want to be.

In general, organisation was great, However, within my section, the interns were not told of their desk rotation until only a week before its occurrence. Maybe this was an oversight, however this is something that could definitely be improved upon.

We had two days of initial training. This was short and snappy which I appreciated, since most of the interns wanted to be on the desk ASAP. However I was disappointed with the training and development afterwards, since there was no structured support with regards to this what so ever.

Prospect for the Barclays investment looks great. After the reshuffle in 2013 and the change in senior management recently, I believe graduates starting in Barclays are in a great position to start their career.

Among students: Great Among colleagues: Non-existent Some of the other trading/sales interns had teams who were extremely sociable and they benefited from that, however my desk had no social events which the interns could join in with, This was rather disappointing.

Living cost: N/A - Lived with parents and commuted from outside London Socialising cost: Extortionate - Price level at Canary Wharf really reflected its salary.

No idea.

The company provided ample opportunities such as charity events, dragon boat racing and some intern drinks. Further, there are sports societies which one can get involved in. Fellow interns are playing for the football team or the running team.