Internship Review at Standard Life

The Role

Role Description

In charge of discretionary expenses and developing the discretionary expenses reporting automated. Updated the chart of accounts and creating a decision tree like diagram to help non financ users accurately select the correct expense code. Helping the rest of my team (operations and control) with anything they might need help with.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I enojoyed the company atmosphere, the city and the company of the other interns. We were given a lot of flexibility and if we asked to do something this was arrnaged. For instance we asked to go for a tour round Standard Life Investments.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

My colleagues were friendly and helpful with any questions I had. My boss in particular was very understanding and kind. Not everyone on my team was really friendly but I think that that is just lif.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was given lots of supoort and guidance by my manager as well as the head of the scheme and my buddy. Having all these options was very good as I could still ask for help when my manager was busy or in meetings.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

For the first week I was bored and didnt get given very much work even when I kept asking, but after that I had plenty of work and my own projects I could just come in and start work on.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was given quite a lot of responsibility prodiucing reports for very senior members of staff and although the reports were not too challenging I felt like I was given a good amount of responsibility.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I think developing my excfel skills in particular macros would be useful in all walks of lif. However, I think a lot of the things I learnt were quite company specific.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

People did work and got on but they would also have little chats and ask each other about their weekends etc.

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Very well organised. Including trips to other offices and lunchtime skills sessions. However, compared to other internships my friends have been on there could have been more organised social events although this was not as necessary with only 10 interns.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

They spent lots of time with lunchtime skill development sessions, talks with people from all areas of finance and generally just the amount of people involved with scheme and giving up their time.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The company treats its employees very well. There are mor holidays than on average and the starting salary is greater than those at the big four accountants. The hours are 9 till 5 only and the study leave is very generous.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The interns all got on very well and we went to lunch together everyday. We also did many things including going to site see, cinema, bars, clubs and dinners.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Accomomodation was pai d for by Standard Life. Water in Scotland is free so only gas and electric bills. Drinks and food is expensive for Scotland but a lot cheaper than London prices.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Being the capital city loads of clubs and bars and in Sugust also ther fringe festival.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The company has many different clubs, sports, cinema etc. Teams would socialise together as well. Also Standard Life discounts at many places around Edinburgh including many gyms.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

Really enjoyable, would recommend it. An opportunity to see the fringe festival while gaining valuable skills.

Review 19/26 for Standard Life

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