Business Analyst Review

I really enjoyed my placement with Barclays. I got placed in a really friendly team who really brought out my potential. The work was interesting and challenging, but there were also socials that were lots of fun and things I never would have done otherwise.

I was given work that I felt was actually going to make an impact and that makes me feel valued. Coming into an internship you wonder if you are going to be asked to do work with no value, but this definitely wasn't the case at Barclays.

I sat next to by manager during my time at Barclays and I only had to ask if I needed help. They were also very good at giving me feedback so I knew what it was I needed to do to improve on tasks for next time. I was also given a mentor who was really kind and was there so that I could ask any questions I didn't feel like I could ask my manager.

Some days I was waiting on emails being answered before I could progress with work but there was always information or research I could be doing. Also people are very willing to sit and tell you about their jobs, so you can find something to do if you are proactive enough.

A lot of the time I was given a lot of responsibility. Sometimes this was a little daunting but I guess that it's indicative of what would happen if you start a new job as there isn't always someone free to hold your hand through things. I found I had to get over the fear of speaking to people I didn't know very quickly.

I have both learnt new skills and also discovered skills that I already had but didn't know. There is a lot of inter-personal skills to learn, presentation skills that will be helpful for dissertations or projects at university. People often have a lot of advice on choosing a career path which is essential at this age.

Everyone was really friendly and if you were curious about other areas jobs, you only needed to ask. People were very willing to speak to you.

I feel as though it was set up reasonably well in terms of needing where you need to go and the training (although I feel as though the training could have been more specialised to area). The only part was annoying was the confusion surrounding passes for access to floors and also computer access set up - however this is a bank protocol system error rather than those who organise the internship.

In terms of training, I don't feel as though much is given. It's more of an opportunity for self development in terms of you can take your own initiative and get involved in things in the work place. My manager was very keen to make sure I took out of this what I wanted which was reflected in my overall objectives.

A graduate job is offered to those who they deem have performed well. Currently unaware of how many people they offer this to, but I imagine if you are doing a good job they will be unwilling to let you go!

Always people willing to meet for lunch/drinks.

Living in London costs are helped by a living grant from Barclays. Socialising costs are typical of London as drinks are expensive (although there's always happy hour).

Haven't been out in Canary Wharf, but only a short ride away from many of the great places in London to go out.

Was invited to team socials which were about once a month and always fun! In terms of events invited to from the recruitment team - I can't think of any. Was invited to an office party, but through making friends which people involved in it.