Internship Review at Baillie Gifford

The Role

Role Description

Role involved writing up a report on a company and assessing whether it makes a good investment case. The research aspect involved speaking with the company, other analysts and consultants across the industry. I was also required to present my case to my team and then went on to present to the whole investment team followed by a Q&A session.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The role requires you to speak to a wide range of people across the industry and researching all aspects of a business means the work is not repetitive. The hours (9-5) mean you have plenty of time to explore Edinburgh and get involved with the company's social activites as well.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There are always social events that interns get called along to, everyone is friendly and always willing to lend a helping hand.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Management staff are usually sitting at the same desk so it's easy to talk to them and ask any questions. But the first point of call would be the mentor we are assigned from the start of the programme.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There are always different sources of information to use, whether it's reading old reports, speaking to members of your team, external analysts or the company itself, there is always something different to do. A number of discussions were arranged for the interns to give us a feel of the wider industry and business.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was responsible for the company I was researching. I carried out a meeting with my first company in the first week on the programme, and spoke to analyst soon after.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Definitely going to use the skills I developed again, carrying out presentations, time management, the attention to detail that is requried in researching an investment case is something that will assist me not only in my studies but in a future career in investment management.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

People are generally very hard working, but always available to talk to about work or other topics. Everyone is extremely friendly and full of intelligent banter.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

From the first day, we had 3 days of training, and there was something planned for interns every week to help us learn more and get out of the office now and then. Organisers were always in touch and available for any questions.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Same as above really.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Sports and Social Club
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Brilliant industry, even better organisation. The work life balance at Baillie Gifford is something I have never seen in the finance industry, a small company means everyone knows one another and so it is easier to feel at home. Edinburgh is a lovely city, always something to do, but the only downside is the rain!

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Baillie Gifford definitely picked out a good bunch of interns. As there were only 6 of us it was easier to get to know each other well. Living together in a new city also means that we got more time to explore Edinburgh together.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Accommodation was heavily subsidised by Baillie Gifford, and was an amazing flat to live in, right in the centre of Edinburgh. Generally, prices were pretty average.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Lots of bars, clubs, pubs. With the Edinburgh Fringe in August, there was always a show to see and things to do in our spare time.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Plenty, Baillie Gifford have a number of sports and social activities, and externally, you could venture out to the countryside or visit the castle, museums, galleries, play golf or join a gym.

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?

The diversity of the tasks we carried out was great, the work was extremely interesting and Baillie Gifford encourages intelligent debate all the time. Living in Edinburgh at such low cost is definitely an opportunity not to be missed, especially during the Fringe.

Review 9/14 for Baillie Gifford

Previous Next