Contractor- Private Banking Review

I had an amazing time on my placement- I had the opportunity to lead projects, learn about an area of the business I was previously ignorant on and travel to a number of different places to meet clients directly.

My colleagues were all extremely welcoming and friendly and would always be there to offer help and guidance. They also helped me with specific need areas I had to ensure my projects were conducted seamlessly.

My manager offered support and guidance both when I directly asked and when he thought I was doing a task particularly well or if there was a need area for me to work on. We did this through 121s and spending a lot of time together on the way to client meetings- he was always on hand to provide advice or support but always gave me the independence to learnand try things for myself to build upon my skills.

There were a few occasions on which I completed some tasks quicker than expected and in this respect the workload wasn't alway the perfect balance. However, I always asked for more work when I had completed tasks and was always given it and I also further learnt how to make sure I didn't rush tasks by going back and checking/ perfecting my work first.

I felt I was given the optimum amount of responsibility when it was fitting (Private Banking is more technical and a bespke service therefore some aspects I couldn't be too responsible for). Through the duration of my placement I organised and ran a number of technical workshops for colleagues as well as puting together and helping to present a number of presentations- I really felt that I had a lot of opportunity to develop my project and more generic leadership skills.

The skills I have built upon during this placement have been invaluable. I will integrate my time management and organisational skills into my degree studies and further career to ensure I get all of the necessary work done and operate at my optimum capacity.

The general atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, however it was still professional and colleagues were always on hand to provide guidance when I required. Everyone worked together to ensure each task was done to the best of their ability and I believe I fit in quite well through the duration of my placement.

From the outset the goals of my placement were clear and my role was explained to me straight away. My manager had made sure I would receive a real feel for the Private Banking business as a whole and everything was on hand from my first day.

I had plentiful opportunity for personal development such as Discover Learning, but as well as this I gained personal training and development throug the amoun t of freedom I was given re. project organising e.g. technical workshops.

I would very much like to work with the organisation in the future. There are plentiful opportunities to grow, develop and progress in a career and due to the size of the organisation there are a wide variety of areas a colleague can be part of.

There was always plenty to do outside of work hours with fellow students- we would always arrnage something to do to take advantage of our location and develop friendships. Colleagues also never hesitated to invite me for any leaving drinks/ events they were part of, and this added to my feeling of inclusion.

Due to the fact I was in a city centre it wasn't always the cheapest place to be socialising in, however you could make this work and still have an amazing time socialising and living comfortably.

Compared to other cities the nightlife was very quiet, however for me this worked well and I had an amazing time. However, during the fringe it was decidedly louder!

Myself and a number of other interns always made sure we took advantage of the activities in and around Edinburgh to ensure we got the full experience of living in the city. There was always plenty to do and it added to the whole experience.