Internship Review at Bank of England

The Role

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

My work was described as very important, and it really felt like that throughout. Having said that, my opinion wasn't sought for other things, but this is to be expected.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Most of the time it was very good. If I needed help or suggestions, then he was always around. Same with other members of the team. However my line manager did leave for 2 weeks after only one week of the placement. I found this ok, but it did set me back a bit.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The project was a perfect length. I always had things to do, but could always go to a seminar, take an early lunch, leave a little early etc. They don't have core hours, so you can be very flexible. Just get the job done!

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

My work, if implemented, will make a real difference, and that was very attractive. Only losing marks because I didn't have much 'live' experience of short-term problems/ issues. Only responsible for my own project.

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

We were given a presentation skills training session, but I'm not sure we found it massively helpful. I don't study Economics, so not much use in my degree, although economics students could use their work for dissertation stuff I think.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Hard working, but not especially vibrant. Not a huge problem for me, but worth bearing in mind. Other departments were more, or less exciting. I think it just depends.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Very few problems. There was a bit of a delay with getting offer letters out, but nothing serious.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

The real investment was the opportunity, and the indepth projects. Not much formal training, but plenty of 'on the job' advice etc.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop
• Healthcare/Dental

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

This was probably the most serious issue. There was not a clear policy on intern recruitment, with some needing to come back the following year to secure funding for a masters. The decision to hire or not didn't seem particularly well standardized, and depended mostly on line manager's opinions. That said, it really is a great place to work, and the experience is fantastic so definitely worth applying to.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Everyone was really really nice. There was no competition, or unpleasantness. Everyone was really friendly, and we ended up forming some lasting relationships.

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

Central london prices. Enjoyable company made up for it though.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Counting House pub was a regular haunt.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

We were around for the annual sports day, which was really really fun. Plenty of sports teams and other opportunities.

Review 35/37 for Bank of England

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