Internship Review at Baillie Gifford

The Role

Role Description

I was assigned various companies to research within a sector, and my job involved keeping up to date with events in this area and analysing each firm. I was given considerable freedom in my approach, so each day varied by what angle of approach was currently bearing fruit.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

A lot of freedom to approach the job in the way I saw best, whilst being supported, and being surrounded by friendly and enthusiastic people.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Being thanked for my contribution at the end of the placement (in a manner that seemed genuine!) was a highlight. The degree of responsibility I was given was also very good - and unexpected.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

At no time did I feel I lacked support, and when I did ask the time and effort devoted to helping me was outstanding.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The amount of freedom you are given does allow for a certain amount of slack on occasion - but if I'm fair that was more me than the firm...

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Sole responsibility for a new potential line of investment.

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

The skills of analysis and critical thinking developed here complimented my history degree very well. Moreover the skills naturally translate very well to working in the industry.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Lots of open debate, very social, and generally a fun place to be.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I was given a wide ranging view of the firm, never 'fell between the gap'. and the intake is small enough for each individual to be adequately supported on their own level.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Pay is good and time from senior colleagues is certainly put your way.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

• Sports and Social Club
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Fantastic firm to work for. Great attitude to helping and developing employees, very much an up-and-coming firm with an outstanding reputation, and small enough for prospects of advancement to look good.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

There's a good pub scene after work, the community is close but not cliquey - always something going on. Office is also in the centre of town.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Expensive for Scotland, and probably the UK - but not London!

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Lots of bars, decent selection of clubs but nothing special - but the Edinburgh Festival makes pulls this score up. Fantastic!

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

There's a bit of football and hockey and some other sports, and people doing there own thing but nothing special on this front. Got to make the opportunities yourself! Decent climbing, biking and running scenes.

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?

I very much enjoyed my placement, and I'd recommend it to anyone. I think what is so refreshing about BG is the freedom to think about the job and where you might fit into the industry. You're not constantly being forced into deadlines and into competition with other and then, all of a sudden, realise you are 30, loaded, but depressed and can't remember the last decade - and you work for Citibank.

Review 11/14 for Baillie Gifford

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