Marketing Executive | Customer Literature – Retail, B2B & Consumer Finance | Brands & Marketing Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement this year, namely because of the sensitive and understanding way that my line manager has dealt with my own personal issues. As someone who regularly suffers from anxiety attacks it could seem that doing a 9-5 job would prove near impossible, however when your line manager appreciates what you're going through you can negotiate a more flexible working week,

Although things took a little while to get started (to begin with I felt a little like people were treating me like a child rather than a colleague), towards the midpoint and now towards the end I really feel at home with my team. I feel like the only issues at the start related to people not knowing what to expect from me, partly because a lot of my team are new to the Bank as well.

Despite being extremely busy and regularly out of the office my line manager has consistently provided me with all the guidance I have needed. I have always felt comfortable asking any of my team if I have any questions or concerns, and I have felt at ease with what has been expected of me.

I believe it is nearly impossible to attain a 'perfect balance' during a 10 week internship because of the structure of the work it is possible for you to do. If you are relying heavily on being given work because you are not familiar with the overall processes or your work relies on others then you will inevitably find yourself with little to do and then suddenly a lot. That being said however, I never felt pressured when I did have a lot to do, and my team always checked that I wasn't 'too busy'.

I felt I was given a very good amount of responsibility, as it was up to me to ask for it. I was able to run a session with my entire team at our development day because I went to my line manager and asked to. I was also able to work on some very important projects because I expressed my interest in them. I feel that within LBG you will get as much responsibility as you seek, so it is important to be proactive in this respect.

Interestingly I actually feel that much the reverse is true. I utilised a great number of skills from my degree during my internship, particularly analytical and research skills. I have however further developed my abilities in networking and public speaking, which will undoubtedly be highly valuable for whatever I choose to persue.

Canons House in Bristol is a lovely office to work in. The atmosphere is not exactly 'fun' but it is relaxed and chilled. You don't feel intimidated walking around, you do not need to wear a tie, you can wear smart comfortable shoes etc. The open plan style means that face-to-face interaction is more common than many offices, and the views of the harbourside are really lovely and conducive to a happy working environment.

The vast majority of things were well organised for me, however I know that this is the result of a very switched on member of my team getting it organised. LBG is notorious for its issues with internal IT, however this year they were kept to a minimum. Emerging Talent were not as well organised as last year, with our webinars falling a bit by the wayside. All-in-all though there were no major hiccoughs.

I felt that this year the extent of investment came primarily from me being proactive and my team providing appropriate solutions. There was little input from the business in general, and I fear that if an intern were to be shy or not feel comfortable asking certain questions then they may miss out.

I can see myself working for LBG at some point in the future, however not straight away. I have definitely come to realise that a 9-5 desk job is not great for my anxiety, and as such would need a contract that would allow me to work from home or at the very least on a flexible schedule. This would not necessarily be difficult, however I would need a few years after university to get things straight as to what I want.

I've made some really firm friends during my time here, some that I would have expected and some that I wouldn't have. We have had the chance to meet up outside of work for a lot of activities from bowling, to cards against humanity, to a good old fashioned pint at the pub.

Bristol isn't the cheapest place, but when your accomodation is provided for you then things do even out

Bristol has something for everyone. The area around the accomodation is full of independent stores and small music venues, charity shops and cafés, street art and regular protests. Then there are three hubs with a variety of bars and restaurants in the Centre, on Clifton Triangle and up Whiteladies Road. There are a range of clubs as well as the number of secret cocktail bars that lurk around the streets. Bristol is my favourite place to go out of an evening.

As previously mentioned, the interns organised a lot of activities outside of work