Internship Review at Barclays

The Role

Role Description

I was based in the Mortgages department. My main objective was 'to make a real improvement in online mortgages communication.' This was split into a number of tasks including auditing the website and writing new copy. I had the opportunity to work with a number of stakeholders including the online and product teams. My second objective was to assist in the implementation of a marketing campaign for mortgage brokers. To do this I analysed results from the previous year, wrote website copy and worked with the marketing agency. Throughout my placement I had the chance to attend a number of meetings, including a couple that I organised myself!

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Good, interesting work, lots of support and lots of networking opportunities.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I was welcomed by my team and felt valued throughout my placement. I was able to discuss problems freely with my line manager and work through any issues. I was pleasantly surprised when my suggestions for improvement were listened to and in some cases taken-up by the relevant stakeholders.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was given little guidance at first as my line manager wanted me to be proactive and try to make a start on my objectives without being fed the answers. This suited my working style as I am quite independent and I like to try to work out what to do. If I ever did need help my line manager or buddy was available to help me (although this was sometimes difficult due to the large amount of workload in my department at the time).

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

This was variable.On some days I was rushed off my feet and had to stay late, while on other days I only had a few tasks to do. I think this experience was pretty similar across the board.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I had more responsibility than I thought I would have when I started my placement. On one day I was left in charge of managing an email comms and on another day I had to work with an agency to design a presentation for my line manager - at the time they seemed like pretty scary tasks!

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

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 0/10

I already had a degree before I did the placement

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Busy, busy busy but everyone was happy and seemed to enjoy their jobs. This created a dynamic and motivating work environment.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The H.R team were great, they ensured we were prepared for everything we had to do and were there to answer any problems or queries. The events they organised for us were also rewarding, useful and fun.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The invest a lot in your development, although you have to work hard in return! These opportunities will only increase in the graduate program.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The placement is designed to be a stream for people to enter the FLDP graduate scheme. To get a job offer you had to complete your objectives with an A rating from your line manager and do well in a group presentation. I know a lot of people who have a job offer following the internship so the prospects are good!

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

We had a number of events organised for us such as welcome drinks, bring an inten and go-karting, these gave everyone an opportunity to get to know each other. In addition we used to go for regular meals, drinks and nights-out - I still keep in touch with people from the placement.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

As I studied in London I wasn't shocked by the high price of drinks or getting into clubs however I know a number of other interns who couldn't believe how expensive nights-out were.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The nightlife in Canary Wharf is limited (only Proud2 at the O2). However for a medium-length tube ride you can get to the centre of London where there are a plethora of options for a night-out.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

We pretty much had to work all the time.

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?

I would say that although they might not have considered retail banking as a career choice it may surprise them. The work is interesting as you are dealing with actual customers and the work-life balance beats investment/corporate banking.

Review 59/63 for Barclays

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