Insight Review at Financial Services Authority (FSA)

The Role

Role Description

Viewed presentations on the role of the FSA, tips on completing application forms, CVs and cover letters, advice for how to perform at assessment centres, a group exercise on risk analysis and risk management, Q&A with current employees at the firm.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Very informative, I learnt a lot on what employers look for in potential candidates, in particular how to conduct oneself at an assessment center. All employees I met were very friendly and eager to help and seemed to genuinely enjoy their job.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

All employees I met were very friendly and eager to help and seemed to genuinely enjoy their job. Members of the panel during Q&A session seemed to take our questions very seriously and gave detailed, in-depth answers that were deeply thought out and considered.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Excellent guidance by those who arranged the day, we were always told where to go and what we were doing, they were very encouraging whilst being frank and honest.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

The day was packed full of activities and went by very quickly, whilst still giving us time to network and get to know others also on the programme. Managed to make several new friends and contacts with whom I will hopefully be staying in touch.

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

★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 1/10

This does not apply as it was an Insight Day into the firm and not an actual internship.

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

Fantastic, for the first time I was told explicitly what things are looked for in applications/Cvs/assessment centres rather than the usual vague formulae of transferable skills etc.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Cheerful, friendly, optimistic, employees seemed to genuinely enjoy their jobs and recommended it very highly. Seems like a happy place to work and a place where graduates are given true responsibility.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The day ran seamlessly, nothing went wrong and everything ran on time. All speakers were prompt and well prepared.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Spoke to several employees at various points in their careers and from across the company, they gave up their time to speak to us which was much appreciated.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• There were no perks with this insight

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Their graduate salary is competitive and the atmosphere and culture of the firm and office is positive, enthusiastic and friendly.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

All were very friendly and assured us that there was a thriving social scene, eg a football team made of employees.

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

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

Central London is never cheap but it is worth it!

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Again, central London - it is expensive but you get what you pay for!

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Not applicable, it was only a one day insight day.

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?

Highly recommended, the best insight day I have attended so far in terms of how much you actually learn that is useful for the future and not just for this company/job application, but all.

Review 72/92 for Financial Services Authority (FSA)

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