Continuous Improvement Assistant (Intern) Review

Good to see a different side of Commercial Banking, this time from a Change Management perspective. It was interesting to focus on providing action-oriented insight and to work on projects rather than adding value to relationships. I feel I have a much better understanding of the whole work of Commercial Banking now.

Made to feel part of the team from first week; knew the work I was doing was appreciated by my team and beyond; regularly given free cake and coffee.

I spent little time with my official line manager, due to his frequent travelling and high pay grade. My day-to-day manager was demanding in a positive way. He emphasised the importance of delivery but even during his holidays I never felt out of my depth since he was always contactable and helpful.

Either very busy or quiet, given the fortnightly turnover of management information. Occasionally left the office at 6-6:30pm but also occasionally left at 4:30pm depending on business.

As much as an intern could be expected to have, I reckon. I was delivering pieces of work which were being utilised by the Commercial Banking Chief Operating Officer (COO) and other highly important individuals in the bank. I regularly attended Senior Management Meetings and was given multiple opportunities to take on responsibility.

Although proficient with Excel, by developing a complex MI tool for my team over the 10 weeks, I was able to gain valuable IT skills which will be useful both in my studies and the workplace. In terms of academic content there was little relation, but what else could be expected?

Relaxed atmosphere - regularly had colleagues buy me hot drinks and returned the favour of course! People rarely wore ties, were willing to engage with charitable activities and when I had an epileptic fit in the office, colleagues were understanding and gave me the rest of the day off to recover.

First week was a little all over the place, but I raised this with my day-to-day manager and he soon gave me a list of tasks for which I was accountable for and a timetable for delivery of objectives during my 10 weeks. Thus I would say it was fairly well set up.

E-learning was always available if there was a rare quiet moment. Apart from that I got occasional opportunities to spend time with colleagues from different parts of Change Management and beyond.

I presume I will have a referral to the LBG Graduate Scheme, though I am uncertain whether I will take up the offer or not. It is certainly a good offering. I would recommend people to apply to LBG both for internships and for the Graduate Scheme.

Due to being smaller than London offices, there was a good social scene among interns with drinks, pub quizes and meals. The Interns Charity Challenge was a highlight.

Reasonable. Bristol is not as expensive as London, but getting there. Since I come from Bournemouth and live in Coventry, LBG paid for luxury studio accommodation for the duration of my 10 weeks and pay was good.

Since I have epilepsy, I would not know the answer to this question. I have heard from fellow interns that it is good.

It would depend what kind of activities. Due to working hours being 9-5pm weekdays only, there was plenty of time to get involved in whatever hobbies one wished to pursue.