Summer Analyst - Finance

Whilst it was a slow start (being brought in to a finance position at half end certainly didn't help) the internship was a positive experience. The area I was in was complex in nature but very interesting and engaging. Socially it was also a very positive experience. There was several events organised and a very positive atmosphere for getting acquainted with others was created.

I presented at the weekly meeting for my department. While I felt it was as much for assessing me as informing my colleagues it was a useful experience. The work I done would have been done by someone else if I was not there (probably a lot faster though!) so I suppose that gave a sense of importance to the work I was doing and the value placed on the work I did.

Structured performance and development plans were required by HR. While it may sound very formal it did allow time mwith your manager to set out your aims and what you wanted to do. Weekly meetings of this kind were encouraged but most managers were too busy. Feedback came via mid and end of internship reviews.

Again it was a slow start. By the end of the internship the balance was perfect. Finance interns had a presentation to complete on banking regulations at the end of the internship and preparing for that plugged the holes nicely.

My work was mainly of a project nature. It was reviewed or I was asked for the basis on which I did something. But I was pleasantly surprised by the level of autonomy that went with most of the tasks I did. I would be told what was wanted, but very often how exactly I went about it was up to me.

The ability to present in a pressurised environment is one that will definitely stand to me. Excel and powerpoint skills improved enormously. I gained a good understanding of the area in which I working. Work shadowing was encouraged as well and I made good use of that.

Nights out etc within the department were somewhat limited but a good friendly atmosphere was prevalent. The majority of people were approachable.

I was in correspondence with my line manager prior to starting. Simple but important things like being set up on the system were taken care off prior to starting. A mentor and buddy were provided for as well.

We were sent on an excel training day which proved very helpful. Talks were provided on each line of business within the company and we were given access to senior management.

Got the offer and looking forward to going back.

A very vibrant one. A good bunch of people from various back rounds. A lot of people were eager to go out and enjoy themselves as well as working hard.

Central London does tend to be expensive. I rented in area where walking to work was possible which saved a lot. Happy hour till 8 was in place in many of the local bars if you managed to get out of work before then!

Pretty good. Plenty of choice,

We did a bit of CSR working at a primary school. We played football on occasions but it was not always guaranteed.