Summer Analyst CCS (Investment Bank) Review

In summary, I enjoyed getting to involved in the work at my desk and indeed learned a lot about the way work is done etc. I did not always enjoy the assignments I were given and felt that exposure was at times uncomprehensive (i.e. only given small tasks on a larger project). Working hours were mostly not so good.

Differed individually. Overall a great welcome to the team and I felt that the work I did added value.

No formalised support/guidance sessions. Due to schedules/travel, my managers/supervisors were not always there to provide guidance. Mostly, any guidance was given as the issue came up.

Usually very busy, with only a few exceptions. Team members made sure there was always something to work on. Would regularly skip breakfast and lunch.

As expected. Generally speaking, the assignments I were given required some technical knowledge and/or qualified work, which would indicate a certain degree of trust and responsibility, but I was never given a larger project or full 'part' of a project to prepare and present at a later date.

Training was invaluable as very brief and basic without any real hands-on element. The skills I developed at the desk are definitely valuable. Best takeaway is definitely the way to handle work rather than any technical skills.

Like or dislike of culture/atmosphere is very individual. Work comes first. I cannot speak to the entire office, but in my team there were only sporadic shows of team spirit. The general atmosphere was reserved.

Everything was very clear. From the HR side, meeting reminders were always sent out and information was prompt and comprehensive. A Blackberry would have made everything much easier.

It was apparent that a lot of resources were spent on personal training and development. The programme included speaker sessions on HR, personal development, mindfulness, professionalism, many areas of the bank and more. In my opinion, sessions could have been more connected with work and included hands-on elements.

Prefer not to comment. I would urge anyone conisedring joining the organisation to carefully consider the team primarily as this is the day-to-day interaction you would have.

Not really. Work hours did not really permit during weekdays. I worked at least one day every weekend and both days on many occasions but on any free weekends I did not hear about anything being organised, even among interns who did not get up to much.

Lived close to work (i.e. Moorgate-Liverpool St-Shoreditch). Did not really socialise in that area so cannot speak in terms of cost. Cost of living was high (c. £300p/w excl. food), but that had to to with the short-term nature of the stay.

There are some rather good after-work restaurants and bar in Broadgate Circle and Exchange Square. You will generally find a lot of people socialising any day of the week.

Did not hear of anything during the internship. Nothing was organised at an internship level. There are some for the office at large. I tried to get involved in one, but received no reply so assume these are for full-time employees only. Nothing was organised at the team level.