Summer Associate Review

I am really pleased that I seized the opportunity to intern at the Financial Conduct Authority this summer. I was immediately immersed into a wide range of tasks which really enabled me to learn about the FCA and the financial industry as a whole very quickly. I believe that the exposure and insight that the FCA provides is a great way to learn about how financial markets operate. On top of this, the culture really helps a new starter to settle in, coupled with the general atmosphere and willingness for staff to help. Overall, I have found it to be a great experience.

I was allocated into a team of around eight people, although within my specific department, everybody is close and gets on really well even if they aren't in the same team. Because of this, I immediately felt comfortable in my surroundings and valued by my colleagues, who made sure I had jobs to do and that I was happy. I was also given a great deal of responsibility with regard to project work, making me feel like a fully integrated employee rather than an just an intern.

My line manager ensured that I got what I wanted out of the internship, and that I finished feeling content that I achieved my objectives. I was busy with either project work or research which made time go quickly, and my manager ensured the work I was doing was of interest to me. When absent, other managers in the department always made sure I was busy and had things to do.

For the most part, I was always busy with my project work and research tasks. Naturally, there were peaks and troughs whereby I would wait for approval from senior members of staff before I could continue my project work, for example. However, during the less busy times, there were opportunities to do some 'eLearning' or meet with members of different teams or departments to understand the different roles at the FCA.

For my project work, I was given a great deal of responsibility. Whilst people were always happy to answer any questions I had, I took it upon myself to make real progress and complete set work to a deadline to a good quality. Furthermore, I was tasked on training some full time employees on certain roles that I became accustomed to, which really made me feel like I had a lot of responsibility.

I believe that the plethora of skills that I have picked up during my time at the FCA will help me in my degree, but more significantly in my future professional career. Spending 10 weeks at an organisation with the influence that the FCA has, with staff who hold a variety of skills, has given me a unique insight into the professional world, and how to conduct myself in the workplace. The variety of tasks I have undertaken have provided me with essential skills such as time management, researching and analysis.

In my department, the atmosphere was busy and everybody was very friendly. People are always happy to help and give advice, and will make time for you if they were busy at a given moment. Throughout the organisation, I feel as though the culture allows people to be supportive and friendly.

The internship was very well organised. From the induction days at the beginning to joining the team, as well as events for the interns, I never felt lost or confused as to what I had to do. The transition into my team was seamless, and I feel this is largely due to the efficient organisation on behalf of the FCA.

The FCA heavily invested in me. The induction days at the beginning were very in depth, and every week there was be a learning lunch where you would learn about other divisions. Within my team, my manager took the time to ensure I was enjoying myself and really learning. From the start to the end, the FCA ensured that the interns were making the most of the opportunity.

There is an opportunity to work at the FCA as a graduate if you are successful on the internship programme. The graduate programme, from my understanding, is very well respected and, like the internship, the FCA heavily invest in you. Compared to the private sector, I think the opportunities for progression and promotion are limited.

During the first week, the FCA organised for the interns to get a drink after work, which really helped us bond as a group and get to know each other well. Beyond this, the intern social rep would organise weekly events, often with the graduates, which was a nice break after work. However, the vast majority of events were organised by the interns and not the FCA, although this wasn't a big problem.

I lived at home and so didn't have to pay rent, whereas many of the other interns were renting over the summer. Furthermore, my train journey wasn't too long and so these costs were not too bad. Around Canary Wharf, drinks are typical London prices, but often there would be two-for-one offers which saved some money.

Canary Wharf has a lot of bars and pubs which are open til late and always buzzy in the evening. If you want to go clubbing, the City and Central London are better options as the clubbing options around Canary Wharf are very limited. For post work drinks, Canary Wharf has lots of options.

The gym was heavily subsidised and this was a good activity out of work to get involved in. Furthermore, events ran by departments and the FCA as a whole were common such as football tournaments and quizzes. If you wanted to take it upon yourself to organise event, people would be happy to join in.