Summer Financial Analyst Review

American Express is a fantastic company to work for and a great place to do your placement or internship. You learn alot and hands on experience into what its like to work for a global firm.

I felt very valued. The people here put huge emphasis on employee growth and development and look to support and help to develop all employees, even interns

All supervisors above me in the hierachy were always there for me whenever needed any help or any questions regarding the work or company itself. The managers are really down to earth and their office is open for a chat, although don't expect people to hold you hand, its a big firm so to stand out you've got to think for your feet and work independently to show what you can do

The hours vary dependent on the time on month, but they are predictable. During Month-End you can expect to work 10-12 hours, but the typical hours otherwise are 9am-6pm. My team was pretty new and hence we were very busy, other interns left the office at 5pm while I often had to stay until around 8pm. But there is no facetime so once you finish your work you can go.

You are given a project which you have to design and conduct, and then present the findings to your VP and presentation to other interns and senior leaders. You are solely responsible for the project, although your buddy and manager will be happy to offer you a helping hand when needs be, but you expected to work as a 'normal' employee

An internship is a practical experience, and at American Express you get a hands on experience into what its like to work in the finance industry, you learn on the job and put those new skills into practice straight away. In contrast, degree studies are theoretical, but alot of what you learn in your degree does not necessarily enhance your internship, as all companies have their own way of doing things, however the experience you gain from your internship definitely enhances your degree. After the internship and returning to studies, I really feel that I can take what I've learnt at American Express and apply it in my studies, I'm using similar excel modelling techniques to what I used at AmEx, and I can take examples of leadership and strategy that I learnt during AmEx and apply it in theoretical essays

Very relaxed atmosphere, everyone is really down to earth and you can have a joke and laugh with your colleagues and managers. Although when the work kicks in, expect people to be on the ball and ready to question every detail of your work. This is the corporate world after all!

The programme is quite new, but the organisation of it was fantastic, the HR team at AmEx is uncomparable to any other, they are so friendly and supportive, and you can approach them about any questions you have. There were weekly events such as presentations from other teams or team building events such as trips on the London Eye and Bowling

There was a 2 day induction which teaches the fundamentals of excel, day-to-day work, presenting and the company, and then speaker sessions from a different business unit which teach you about other roles and divisions. Your team will teach you about your business line, and then you are left to complete your project independently, but your team will be there for you to ask any questions and put any ideas forward.

Very good place to work, its pretty much a dream career and somewhere where you actually want to come to work

The HR staff organised weekly events such as a ride on the London Eye, trips to the theatre, pizza making and bowling, so we had alot of time to get to know the other interns. We also organised intern lunches and post-work drinks

Its London prices, so quite expensive, but it doesn't mean you can't go out, there are alot of cheap/free alternatives to simply clubbing in Mayfair

Its London, so expect the kind of nightlife you would expect in the capital

There are many things you can do in London, from theatres to shopping to restaurants, sports, cinemas, cooking clubs...the list goes on