Associate Review

by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4/5
  • The Role
    4.1
  • The Company
    4.2
  • The Culture
    3.5

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
  • I had a thoroughly enjoyable experience with the FCA having completed the Spring Insight week prior to the internship, The internship scheme allowed us a great deal of exposure to more senior colleagues who were more than willing to make the time to sit and chat over a coffee. My time at the FCA this summer was further enhanced through some of the great relationships that I had managed to build with the other interns. Moreover, responsibility made up a huge part of why I had such a good time at the organisation, whereby my team trusted me with a variety of projects, tasks and contributions.

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
  • I have a huge amount of respect for all colleagues whom I was fortunate enough to cross paths with during my internship. As aforementioned, the interns were good fun and besides this, my team also reflected a very positive, bubbly culture. The accessibility and approachable nature of HR also made the internship very smooth. The flat organisational structure at the FCA is reflected in the respect that all colleagues have for each other, and their willingness to help.

    5/5

  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
  • My line manager was very easy to get on with and provided me with good feedback. I would say that more of the support that I was given was by less senior colleagues who I worked with/for on a more frequent basis.

    4/5

  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
  • Naturally, my workload fluctuated considerably day by day, according to deadlines and what work had been delegated my way. I feel that this is in line with the nature of the industry. However, with the on-going objective of many of us interns being to learn to more effectively manage our workloads, I feel that I may be suited to a more intense workload to keep me challenged.

    4/5

  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
  • This was the area that I found most impressive throughout my internship. Managers and colleagues treat you as they'd treat you as they would any other colleague and you 'intern' status soon dissipates. I was given a high level of responsibility, particularly concerning cases and sensitive information.

    5/5

  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • The internship has undeniable been invaluable to my future career and has enabled me to build upon a variety of highly transferrable, professional skills. My experiences here have also enabled me to develop an understanding of the more practical angle of my degree (Economics) and a greater comprehension of the industry.

    3/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
  • Positive, fun and calm.

    5/5

  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
  • HR made a great job of organising the internship to make it a structured process. The workload wasn't too structured which was good, allowing me to be given flexible and meaningful tasks.

    4/5

  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • I was given access to numerous programmes and seminars, besides the mandatory e-learning modules. The firm have evident structures in place to invest in their staff members with a cultural focus on personal development.

    4/5

  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
  • Flexi Time

    Subsidised Canteen

    Sports and Social Club

    Company Car

    Subsidised/Company Gym

    National Travel

    International Travel

    Financial Bonus

    Company Parties/Events

    Staff Sales/Staff Shop

    Above 25 days holiday

    Working from home

    Healthcare from home

    Healthcare/Dental

    Travel loan

    4/5

  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
  • Very appealing - a good work/life balance, good pay and a great team of very approachable and friendly staff.

    5/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
  • From my experience, the interns clicked very well. Naturally, some more so than others, however we frequently arranged to meet for drinks after work or lunch during the day.

    5/5

  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
  • Canary Wharf is understandably expensive, likewise with the rest of London, though we soon managed to source out where the local Wetherspoons was, amongst other happy hours and lunch offers. Living in London was very expensive.

    3/5

  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
  • Good though youngsters would tend to venture further into the city to stay out later.

    3/5

  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
  • The FCA had an internal social and events club which arranged activities such as Thames River Cruises (inc BBQ and drinks), as well as a variety of other events and sports clubs. These were offered at highly subsidised/reduced prices. However, I would have liked to have seen more centrally-ran social events for the interns which appear to be more frequent at other firms.

    4/5

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Details

Internship (1 Month+)

London

August 2017


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