Operations Learning Consultant Review

I was given some great tasks that were actually making a difference for Lloyds Banking Group as a whole, whilst working in a very welcoming and fun team. The workload was quite high but that was the result of being given a lot of responsibility within the Group. It was a great work environment and although I found it tough at certain points, I found the 10 weeks as a whole very beneficial.

I was on a relatively small team who were very pleased to have me for the 10 weeks and made sure to get me involved in all levels of work that they thought I would find interesting/stimulating. Lloyds Banking Group very heavily stresses its diversity and inclusion policy, which all colleagues are made aware of, so this makes for a very welcoming and productive working environment.

My line manager was very organised and had everything ready for me prior to starting the internship, such as task plans, laptops, phones, IDs etc. I was made aware of the company's support policy so I knew what was expected of my line manager. Throughout the internship they were incredibly helpful and keen to help me wherever possible. Help was provided when I was struggling to complete tasks and management were very accommodating for external circumstances.

Although the first week or two were relatively laid back, as I became oriented with the Group policy/jargon etc, the remainder of my time was always filled with tasks and meetings. I had to organise the majority of these myself, as well as being responsible for setting and meeting key deadlines for the tasks I was undertaking.

I was given a significant amount of responsibility, having entered the Group as a level D colleague (just below management). My tasks included re-designing some training the Group has recently introduced, and I had complete autonomy/responsibility in this. This meant I had great access to senior colleagues and resources, who were all very keen to help me out.

I learnt valuable presenting skills, and it was also great practice in working with people and as part of a team. On top of this, I had to organise my time efficiently using calendars/outlook etc which has always been a weakness of mine, but this was great training for managing time well. These skills are invaluable!

I was lucky to be on a relatively small team which meant I could get to know the people I was working with and who were near me in the office - we went for lunches regularly and had a lot of fun (only on our breaks of course!). Whilst people often had to get their heads down and work, everyone was always very approachable if I needed anything.

When I arrived at my internship I was given a plan with the major tasks I would be undertaking over the next 10 weeks. I was often responsible for organising my own tasks and how I managed my time. I was given all necessary equipment such as my staff ID, a laptop and remote access token and a phone.

It was clear that the Group was very keen to facilitate and encourage us in our roles - we were given all necessary equipment and many events were organised to allow us to network with other colleagues and to find out more about areas of the Bank we would be interested in.

Most interns received a referral to the graduate scheme, which is a brilliant package offering interesting roles and placements as well as company perks and a great starting salary. After this the majority of graduates are offered jobs, where there are always opportunities to progress in your career.

I was living in student accommodation (all paid for!) with about 30 other interns - I made many good friends amongst these and there was always something going on outside of work hours, as well as someone to grab lunch with every day! We had meals and went out on many occasions.

I was in Leeds which is a fairly expensive city, however all accommodation was paid for by Lloyds Banking Group so this greatly reduced costs! Meals and going out could be expensive, but obviously it's easier to justify when you're being well paid!

The night life was great! We would go out with other interns two or three times a week to go to clubs, pubs quizzes, restaurants or just to chill outside when the weather was nice. The clubs were always packed, even on weekdays, although entry fees were often pretty steep.

Although I did not do much outside of work with non-intern colleagues, some interns were invited to social events and drinks - one even got invited to a colleague's wedding! With interns though there were plenty of opportunities to do things after work and at weekends - we went go-karting, clubbing and to many quizzes.