Summer Intern Review

I found the placement enjoyable and a valuable experience to be in a working environment. The work I was given and the social side of work too were both enjoyable. The company and the intern programme made every effort to ensure their interns had an enjoyable and rewarding placement this summer.

My colleagues were both supportive and encouraging. I was able to ask for help and also pick up extra pieces of work from them. In this sense I was trusted to complete work on time and to a good standard without constant supervision, though support was there if it was necessary.

My manager and the wider team were always available either in person, on the phone or by email to offer help and support. That said I was trusted to complete tasks with a degree of independence. Hence, the support network was certainly there if I needed it though it was not too much.

I was given enough work to keep me busy without being totally overwhelmed. This meant that I was able to complete shadow sessions to gain a better understanding of the bank and training to better my personal development. I did not have a lot to do for the first week, but this was due to the time it takes to get systems access.

I was given responsibility and autonomy over my own work to a degree that I feel I was given fair opportunity to develop my skills set. That said there was significant support network available at all times should I need help with something, this included a buddy scheme which was particularly useful.

The skills that I developed I consider to be highly transferable and will be useful in any career path that I should choose to follow. For instance, communication, networking, analytical and so on. It was invaluable to learn and better these skills in a practical work environment and something I consider will strengthen my CV.

The atmosphere was friendly and lively. the team were welcoming and there was a generally good atmosphere within the team. I formed a good relationship with the other intern in my team, though got on well with the others too. It was a nice environment to work in and one that was conducive to work.

The internship was well organised and structured for a 10 week programme with clear aims and objectives. There was some miscommunication between early careers and my own business area which led to a some issues concerning workload. However, these were easily and quickly rectified with minimal disruption. In general the structure and vision was clear.

I was able to enrol for several different training programmes during my internship. From leadership programmes to fraud e-learning and wellbeing workshops there was considerable investment in my personal development. I was actively encouraged to get involved in all the available opportunities and thoroughly enjoyed every course and class that I attended.

The future employment prospects are considerable within this organisation. The intern programme is directly linked to the graduate programme. This means that a place on the grad programme can be secured by meeting the assessment criteria of the internship. The company have a committed early careers programme and are keen to support and help young people into further roles.

There was a very close knit community of interns. This meant that during the weekends and evenings there were always things going on. Additionally, there were a number of social evenings organised by the company for the internship programme. This allowed a good work life balance in a great city.

The city itself is not as expensive as London for example. However, because of the timing of the internship rent was particularly high in August. This pushed the cost of living up considerably. In terms of socialising there are a variety of options meaning that whilst some areas were expensive there were also several less expensive options.

In Edinburgh during the fringe meant that it was a great place to be and to socialise. There was a variety of shows and entertainment happening on a daily basis during this period in August. Additionally, there are a number of clubs, bars and casual socialising spots that meant nightlife was varied and really good in Edinburgh.