Account Manager Support Intern Review

The internship at Handelsbanken was extremely broad in terms of what you were shown and the different elements you got involved in. It was very enjoyable because of this and meant that you really got to know various roles within the bank, making it a very worthwhile experience and a fantastic way to spend a summer.

Every member of staff that you meet was so welcoming and genuinely interested in you as a person and wanted to get to know you. They were so grateful for the tasks you were doing and couldn't have been more helpful in there approach. In my particular case I moved around various parts of the branch and at each branch it was the same. It is the culture of the bank.

Every supervisor, manager and employee of the bank was supportive and wanted to offer their help at every opportunity. There was fortnightly catch ups with the HR department and the other interns so you could share your experiences and really get to know what everyone was doing to help expand your learning on the internship.

On a daily basis there were always tasks to do and potential meetings to go to, although everything was still very flexible and things could change. We also had a group project to do which in times when we were quieter we could get on with. I never felt like I hadn't achieved anything in the day.

The responsibility to open accounts and amend details is quite a big one. In terms of the larger things involved in the role, to do with mortgages etc., with it being a bank there are certain limitations and regulations so there were elements that you were unable to take responsibility of, but within reason. Certain tasks though you were able to take responsibility of and get on with on your own.

The skills I developed over the course of my internship will help me with my basic understanding of banking, in my own personal life as well as hopefully in my future career. Generally being in an office and working environment is all good work experience and will be vital in the future.

The atmosphere across all the offices I worked in were great. Everyone was extremely friendly and really down to earth. Everyone enjoyed having a chat but still got on with their work. There was a great balance. Each branch worked slightly differently so it was great to see the differences during my time on the internship. But as a standard, everyone was kind, helpful, sociable and exactly what I would want in a working environment.

The internship was very well organised, especially considering that this is only the second year it has been running in this particular region. There were certain elements that could be improved slightly but all was fed back and I feel next year any interns that get taken on will have an even better experience.

The bank was very keen to make sure that we spent our time productively on the internship and time was taken to discuss what you have been doing and what you want to do going forward. All interns also had to complete online learning modules which was great to get to know the bank and also get an insight into certain aspects to an extent that you otherwise might not have done. It gave a great basic grounding into what you were doing over the 8 weeks.

Over the 8 week internship and various chats, my internship got extended for another month. Two days into my extension I have been offered a 12 month fixed term contract. I am extremely happy that I have been asked to stay on and hopefully I will be here for longer than the 12 months currently set out at the moment. The bank has been really encouraging and invested their time in me over the last couple of months and I feel privileged to have been asked to work for them on a more permanent basis.

There was only a small number of interns in total across the region and a few of them were spread out across the area, but we all got on really well and came together a few times to meet up for drinks, lunch etc. We also spent a few days doing our project together which was a great way to get to know everyone even more and we have all stayed in touch since the internship ended and are planning a reunion already.

I was lucky enough to be able to live at home during my internship, so the cost of living wasn't too different to what I am used to. The city centre is the city centre, so socialising and eating out is what you would generally expect from a big city.

The nightlife is what you would expect from a massive student city like Leeds. Great! Lots of places to go, bars to drink at and restaurants to eat at.

During my time on the internship there were a few occasions to get involved with meals out etc with work colleagues and to get to know them as a person, which I think is great and I think that it really generates a better working environment.