Internship Review at Schroders

The Role

Role Description

As part of the Official Institutions Team I was given a range of tasks depending upon the client at the time, the biggest was to prepare financial data and calculate statistics on equity held by a very large fund the department was dealing with. In addition over the summer I was to develop the marketing & PR side of the department acting between it and the company's PR and web teams.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Yeh I did, though the summers the summer so there was a bit too much time to kill.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Small department, but they were all great to me. Didn't really venture outside my team on the floor.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Two-three days training by an outside financial training firm before we began and then lunchtime sessions in later weeks with people from around the business.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

It's the summer and a recession is on, so there wasn't all that much to do. My team were often abroad anyway.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

A fair few things I did went into very major projects for clients, how well my figures and research was checked I really don't know, but if I cocked up I think there'd have been consequences!

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I know so much more about finance and the city then before I started.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Quiet generally, but a good mood and a very strong work vibe. Limited banter!

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There training was very useful, regular meetings were arranged between us and staff in various departments. A few nights out and events were arranged- all complimentry. The head of graduate recruitment in HR did a great job.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Fairly well I'd have thought, though no circulation between departments did limit my ability to see what other departments did.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• Flexi Time
• Sports and Social Club
• Subsidised/Company Gym
• Company Parties/Events
• Healthcare/Dental

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I've been invited back to final stage graduate employment interviews, although I need to decide that its 100% what I want to do, I'm only about 60% sure as it stands versus masters courses and another industry.

Other Information

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

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

Lots was put on for us, but too few of the interns had lives. I ended up spending more time with my best friend and his fellow interns at Ernst & Young!

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

High, London costs a fortune. Thankfully pay was good.

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Plenty of pubs, too few people to go out with.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Plenty, I played a fair bit of hockey, could have done other sports too.

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?

There is a split between how investment and distribution jobs are offered. In distribution offers aren't made outright. Instead an invite may be offered to the assestment day when you're up against other chosen interns and a few new faces too. It's a bit of a shame to leave without a firmer job offer.

Review 14/25 for Schroders

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