Summer Intern Review

I enjoyed my internship a lot. It started off quite slow as I didn't have much to do. But then as I was exposed to more areas within the business ( something that managers are encouraged to do ) things picked up. In one of the areas I managed to get involved and take over the management of a project for a few weeks whilst the original project manager was on holiday

This really depended on the individual. Most people valued and respected me, however there were a few who didn't respond to my emails till weeks later or if I sent a follow up email copying in my manager, who was their superior. At times, this lack of response impeaded my own work

My manager was great. She was always making sure that I was comfortable with my tasks and made it known that I was able to come to her at any time if I didn't understand something. If she was busy she would make sure to book a slot in her diary for one on one time. Additionally we had a half hour weekly catch up at the start of each week where we both discussed what we wanted to achieve that week.

At the start of my placement I wasn't that busy. But when I got involved in other areas of the business my load became quite full, which I didn't mind. It was never too overwhelming. On he occasions I wasn't busy my manager invited me along to all of the meetings that she had. Also my manager wasn't that fussed about what time I left work, as long as all my tasks for the day were completed I could leave.

I had a lot of responsibility. At first it was daunting but I had quite a lot of support from my manager. Ultimately though, I was driving things through. Also all of the pieces that I've been working on will be used by the team after my departure. It feels good to have made a lasting impact.

The biggest skill I gained was self management. As I was solely responsible for my projects if anything went wrong it fell on my only. I had to keep myself motivated to do tasks even though I wasn't monitored. Also the internship was good in the fact that it introduced me to a 9-5 life. This was my first office job and is such a departure from university life. It took some getting used to

My office was very chilled. Everyone got in at around the same time. My usual hours were 8 - 3.30. People were easy to talk to and didn't take themselves to seriously. So even though I was the youngest in the office by quite a few years, I felt like I fitted in. It also helped that the woman that sat next to me started on the same day as me.

Lloyds are very active when it comes to personal development. It actually surprised me just how much the firm actively pushes its people to better themselves. Every few months people have a one to one with their line manager and within this meeting they discuss their personal goals and their manager works with them to achieve these goals. Also its common for Lloyds allow current employees to trial different areas of the business for 6 months on secondments. For myself there were a few webinars to develop skills and my manager encouraged me to used the elearning

The accomodation I stayed in housed 31 fellow interns. I didn't get on with everyone, but on the whole they were great. We did things together multiple times a week. Meals out, going to the park, going drinking, watching the bake off, etc. It made the summer really enjoyable and I really see myself keeping in touch with these people after the internship.

My internship was in Halifax, but they provided accomodation in Leeds. Which was a 40 minute commute each way. The nightlife in Leeds is great. Plus there were 32 interns living in the accomodation so there was always someone to go out with. Additionally the accomodation was close to the city centre making transport into town very cheap.