Financial Inclusion and Vulnerability, Group Corporate Affairs Review

I found my internship very enjoyable from the very beginning. Since starting my internship, I feel like I have developed a variety of skills that I can now take into later life including gaining experience of what it is like to work a 9 to 5 job and developing people skills.

Before starting the internship, I was worried that I would be given all the odd jobs to complete that nobody else wanted. However, from the very start, I was tasked with my own projects that were vital for the team and also asked to get involved in existing projects. My colleagues always seemed interested to hear my opinion on things and always ensured I felt like I had enough to do.

My line manager was great as she offered me support throughout the internship. Whether it was smaller things such as what to wear or bigger things like how to complete a project I had been set, she was always available to give advice and support. Also, my wider team were always easily accessible and ensuring I had enough support whilst also giving me enough freedom to complete the tasks I had been set independently.

I'd say the work balance was good as I never felt like I was too overwhelmed that I couldn't complete everything but at the same time always had something to do. My team were determined to make sure I felt stretched but not overwhelmed, and I feel this balance was perfect.

I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of responsibility I was given. From the beginning I was tasked with projects that were completely independent which I would feedback to the team once I had completed them. This responsibility was very beneficial as it allowed me to be independent with my work and also gain more confidence in my abilities.

Although I study Psychology, I feel interning with Lloyds Banking Group will still be extremely beneficial. The skills I have learnt have not been restricted to the job alone, but I have enhanced my people skills and communication skills. A key thing is having a 9 to 5 structure and getting used to work life. I feel this will definitely translate in my studies as I know have developed a much stronger work ethic.

The atmosphere in my office was good as everyone was very friendly and welcoming. I was also based with two other interns and, although working on completely separate projects, it allowed for us to interact with each other and fit into the team even quicker. For me, the majority of my team were based in London and I was based in Bristol which meant I had the chance to travel to the London offices and experience the very different atmosphere that it offers. I feel the Bristol office was perfect for me as the strong work ethic was still in place but the atmosphere was much more relaxed than in London. However, having the opportunity to visit the London offices on occasion was extremely beneficial.

I'd say the internship was organised quite well. On the first day my line manager had arranged all of my IT and I had no issues getting set up as she had sorted it in advance. Also, a timeline had been provided for the tasks I was to be set over the 10 weeks and provisional dates as to when these should be completed. Overall, the organisation of my internship was good. However, other people had issues with IT, for example, their line manager not having ordered their laptop so them not receiving it until the end of week 2/3. Also, they lacked structure and often did not know what they were supposed to be doing.

The internship consisted of 4 compulsory webinars which focused on personal development. Also, all interns had to complete mandatory training which helped them fit in to the business but also focused on professional development. Although these were in place, I feel this is a part of the internship that could be improved as a lot of interns commented that it felt like more of a chore that they had to complete rather than something that they found beneficial.

From interning for 10 weeks, I have found that the way Lloyds Banking Group treats their employees and the flexibility is very attractive. Also, the different roles that are on offer are much more varied than I originally expected. Therefore, I would say future employment prospects are very appealing, more so than what I had originally expected before getting an insight from the internship.

There was a good social scene between interns as many were based in the same accommodation. However, due to personality types, this year the social scene was not that great. In other years, the social scene has been great so I feel like the opportunity is there, it is just down to the personalities of the interns.

Bristol isn't overly expensive and there are relatively cheap places to go out and socialise. In comparison to London, it is obviously much cheaper, but in general, I would say the price of living and socialising is average for a city.

Having being to Bristol many times before, the Nightlife is really good. There is such a variety of clubs and bars, all of which are relatively cheap. Since being on the internship, I haven't seen much of the nightlife due to visiting family as it is the summer holidays from university, but I know that what is there should definitely be taken advantage of.

I'd say there were a good amount of opportunities. They put on a bar crawl for all colleagues to take part in which is a yearly tradition and also arranged 5-a-side football tournaments.