GRM Credit Banks and Sovereigns- intern Review

My internship lasted for 8 weeks. I felt included in the team I was placed at. Overall, everyone I approached for meetings was able to give me an overview of their respective areas. I felt challenged, as I had two final presentations on the two main tasks I was involved in.

I always got feedback on each task I completed. My work would be reviewed and then we would have a small discussion about it. There were 4 of us in the team and I could approach any of them. I was invited to any social events organized and I was introduced to other teams.

On my first day, it was explained to me the main task I would developing during the internship. I started straight away but I had access to resources and examples. Also my team always helped me with any queries. As the internship progressed, my manager scheduled learning sessions. These sessions were 1 to 1 sessions and covered some of the more technical aspects of her job. Subjects: derivatives, secured financing, detailed explanations of main reports. As I acquired the knowledge, I was given the opportunity to carry to out those reports/ requests myself, subject to my manager's approval.

My job mainly consisted on Risk Rating Assessments on banks. As soon as I would finish one bank, I would get another name. There was no deadline so I just would set goals for myself. This was my role in the first 2 weeks, plus any learning sessions. Afterwards, I was involved in 2 other projects in which I would work on in parallel. I started to get busier after week 4, but the schedule was alright (8:30-6:15pm).

The responsibility increased with time. My understanding about the different processes and analyses grew progressively as so did the responsibility I had. You can't make the same mistake twice. It is a continuous learning curve and that is reflected on your work. By the end, I had completed at least once all of the tasks my team does on a daily basis. I was given the opportunity to start a research project on the automation of rating model, which I feel it was quite the responsibility. Now in the graduate programme, I working on this full time.

I have an Economics background with little Finance in it. The internship consolidated and perfected my knowledge. The training in the first two days gives a lot of information in this regard, but it was then at the desk that I understood it properly. Additionally, I had to conducted some regression analysis with a presentation about it in the end. This consolidated my metrics knowledge as I had to explain it in simple terms such that everyone would understand (given everyone's different backgrounds).

Atmosphere was good, fun. My team was very inclusive. My manager introduced me to the other teams. People would introduce themselves in the coffee room. There were quiet days (a bit more dull), but you just get over those.

Well organized. Welcoming event with all managers on the 2nd day. First 2 weeks have quite a few networking events, which is good. Overall they are well scheduled. Two main outside events: treasure hunt and communication skills workshop in a theatre. The exact dates are disclosed close to the event which is not great (I had the day off for one of the events) at least 5 lunch and learn sessions. Managers from the different teams that got interns explain their roles.

2 day training in the beginning quite a lot of topics are covered (equities, fixed income, front, middle, back office function). Training outsourced to Clearing. They are great, and make it interactive. There's a compulsory online course on this. On the job learning: my manger scheduled 5 sessions Access to online learning courses through Intuition.

Retention rate for internship in Technology & Functions around 50%. RBC offers graduate positions for current as well as following year. After the graduate programme, retention is even higher. I have met some people that were recruited full time even without completing the graduate. I guess it depends on business availability.

Yes. There were events organized by RBC every 2 weeks maybe. Some events included only Tech and Functions people. There were not as many opportunities to network with interns in other programmes. But usually people have lunch together. Also it's relatively easy to make plans after work.

Average for London. You spend as much as you want. Lunch at the canteen is subsidized (not sure how much). There's a lot of restaurants/ take away around: £5-7.

It's more of an after work drinks environment. Not really nightlife. I went quite a few times to Dirty Martini, in Liverpool Street. There are quite a few bars around. Cider £5, cocktails: £7-8.

Yes, at events organized by RBC but also after work with other interns. My team organized quite a few events: 4 lunches, mini golf, drinks after work