Research Assistant (Industrial Placement) Review

My experience during the work placement was great! Colleagues were unbelievably supportive and encouraging in my career development throughout. It was very much as people had pointed out, that working at the BOE is an intellectually stimulating environment. A definite recommendation to any student considering working for the BOE.

My managers, team members and everyone else I had the privilege to work with recognised my effort and quality of work I produced.

My supervisors and management team were always there to help and guide me in producing high quality work. They devoted time regularly, to meet in case I had any questions and also cared about my well-being, which made it so comfortable for me to work in such an environment.

The work is at the perfect pace especially for interns and fresh graduates. Neither too slow, nor too fast - which is great for learning!

Tremendous responsibility for an intern. I liaised with colleagues across the Bank and with external stakeholders, under occasional supervision. I created and managed my own spreadsheets and documents which had become reliable references for many colleagues.

The Bank hosts many seminars by internal and external speakers with strong academic background. From that, employees get to observe the research skills and understand the current world topics/challenges faced. I learned time management and organisational skills, which helped me worked more productively when I returned to university. On top of that, the most important takeaway for me had been learning to work with and for different people, which is something I will carry with me throughout both my career and personal life.

Positive - Everyone was hardworking and focused throughout the day, but would always stop to be able to help fellow colleagues in need. Very friendly colleagues.

I attended training and international conferences.

At the end of the placement year, I attended an AC on top of being assessed for my performance throughout. The intake for grads is quite high and I am pleased to say I received an offer to return to the Bank.

There are always get-togethers organised by different groups of colleagues - among students, teams, divisions, across the Bank, etc. It's the perfect way to expand one's network.

As it is London, one should be prepared that the cost of living (rental being approximately £750/month) and socialising (a meal out would average to £20) would be on the higher end. It is of course, sustainable with the remuneration received from working.

I do not really go out, but have heard it's quite amazing.

Joining the sports clubs if you're not so much a gym person, is really fun as you get to play and meet new people.