Internship Review at Baillie Gifford

The Role

Role Description

8 week internship focussing primarily on a first 5 week period with one investment team researching companies, providing recommendations and writing reports on their particular field. Days also included meeting management of other companies and being invited along to internal meetings. This was followed by a week in the Institutional Clients department learning about that side of the business and putting together a mock pitch for new clients. The final two weeks consisted of the same work as the first 5 but with a different investment team.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

As an introduction to asset management and as a an advert for Baillie Gifford it could not be faulted at all. A great credit to the company.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Very friendly at all times and willing to give support and advice. Loses a couple of stars for the sometimes slightly sterile atmosphere of the investment desks which didn't contribute to this.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Constant and absolutely available if needed on any question.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Very much felt that the work I was doing was contributing the company and indeed feedback I received was evidence of this. This was hugely satisfying for a summer internship placement.

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

Hard to say. Not particularly relevant to my degree studies but I'm sure the skills I have acquired will be useful elsewhere.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Could have been slightly better. As said previously the investment floor was fairly silent which felt slightly restrictive at times. This may have simply been the nature of the work involved - working over the long term rather than constantly having to spark off each other to solve current problems - however it was certainly noticeable.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Pretty much perfect. In conversations and feedback sessions afterwards it seemed people genuinely struggle to come up with any absolutely concrete criticisms of the 8 week set up and how it was arranged.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• Subsidised Canteen

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Not a reflection at all on the company but more on the industry as a whole. If i decided in the end to work in investment management, I would definitely consider Baillie Gifford again.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Certainly a great atmosphere amongst the fellow interns. Credit to the HR department for picking such a friendly bunch! Also a good scene with colleagues socially and taking part in sports teams outside the office.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Helped by heavily subsidised rent but generally living in Edinburgh was fairly expensive, especially if you decided to take weekends away to see friends down south.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Certainly good enough to keep you occupied for 8 weeks, not sure as for a career there!

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

What opportunties there were (socials, sports teams) were made easily available and everyone had great fun with them.

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?

Fantastic working hours - 8:30 to 5:30 should by no means be a stretch for anyone! Anyone considering an internship in asset management and finance should definitely be looking at Baillie Gifford and not have their heads turned solely to London. There is great job satisfaction to be had, in a very friendly atmosphere and with a highly competitive wage as well. Factor in a wonderful city and excellent accommodation arrangements when you're not working, and it is really hard to fault as a summer internship.

Review 5/14 for Baillie Gifford

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