Internship Review at Baillie Gifford

The Role

Role Description

Analysing a company and its industry in order to make a fully informed investment decision. Going to internal and external meetings and learning about the Institutional Clients Department.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The work environment and the nature of the job were a perfect fit for me. It is varied and the people are wonderful.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Any input you may have is highly valued by colleagues and will be taken seriously from day 1.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

You're given a mentor and thus have a permanent point of contact for any queries. Also the fact that the office is open plan enables you to wonder to someone else's desk and put forward any questions you may have.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Some days are busier than others as with all jobs. There's always something you could be reading or working on so you never get bored!

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was asigned to review a company's stock in order to present for the team and later on for the whole firm. They're relying on you to back your arguments with facts and undertake significant research.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Presenting several times in formal and informal contexts was very useful and I think this is a necessary skill. Also being able to analyse detailed information and make your own judgement will always be useful.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

The investment floor is very quiet and has an atmosphere similar to that of a library. The Institutional Clients Department, however, has a nice buzz to it.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Excellent organisation only a bit of confusion regarding feedback sessions

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The first week of the internship is exclusively for training. After that once a week we had a lunchtime talk about a financial topic.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• Subsidised Canteen
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I will be attending a final round of interviews with some of the partners and will hopefully obtain a job offer.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Having 7 other interns made the placement a lot of fun. It is especially good that you get to live with half of them in a flat as oyu become very close friends.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Edinburgh is obviously cheaper than London. It depends where you go, but you could get a decent lunch for a few pounds

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Edinburgh is a very lively city - especially during the Festival

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

You could play hockey or football, although I didn't partake in any of these.

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?

If you want to make a difference during your internship, Baillie Gifford is the place for you. You will have responsibility from day one and you will be able to interact with everyone in the company - even the partners!! also because edinburgh is a small city, you can walk to work, which is unheard of in London!

Review 2/14 for Baillie Gifford

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