Internship Review at Standard Life

The Role

Role Description

Placed within the Asset and Liability Management Team in the Finance department, I helped the team with the testing of new models and preparation for the Financial Condition Report. Most of the work was Excel based.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was given a lot of responsibility, the work was interesting and there was plenty of opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was trusted with important tasks

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There was not a great orientation at the start of the job i.e. Training on what you would be likely to do during the job, it was more "pick it up as you go along". But support was always available if needed

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I spent some of the time looking for work to do or twiddling my thumbs, but that was because a lot of the work the department does was over my head.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I picked up skills I will be able to apply in any future role

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Professional within the office, but there was plenty of social activities going on after hours.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

The placements were set up very well from the work side of things, but the IT side was not so smooth. My ID badge didn't clock my time for the first couple of weeks, and I didn't get access to the network drives I needed to do work for a few weeks.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Most of the placements lead on to job offers, so the company has a vested interest in your development throughout the placement.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The application process for the placement is exactly the same as that of the graduate scheme, so as long as you and the company are a good match a graduate job will usually be offered.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I played softball, joined the golf club, went on lots of nights out, and even went to Alton Towers with some people.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I don't tend to notice a difference because I've lived in Edinburgh for years, so it wasn't any different for me.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Edinburgh has great nightlife.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Lots and lots of social clubs

Review 6/26 for Standard Life

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