Spring Intern Review

The spring week offering was well above my expectations. Not only we were given a thorough introduction to IB and markets, but team building exercises were carried out. Literally 4 action-packed days. Meeting fellow spring interns only adds up to the exciting experience.

I feel like the company devoted time, people, venues and money to us. In the finance world time is money more than elsewhere and having the opportunity of talking with MDs and Global Heads was just unique. The quality of the speeches made me feel like they put a considerable effort in giving us the best concise introduction to the bank.

Everyone was super friendly and helpful. HR would always be around for logistical issues. Interns and Analysts spoke with us at length advising us about the Assessment Centre process. Overall, if any of us had a doubt - whether logistical or related to the bank's activities - it was clear who to speak to.

In my opinion the debate we had to organise will help me in my future teamwork endeavors - in addition to keep me focussed on making strong and coherent arguments. The Spring Week as a whole further encouraged me to network with other people in a friendly environment.

Two days were dedicated entirely to introducing IB and Markets. The inner structure of both days was clear and sensible. Both started off with a speech, followed by an investigation about subdivisions. Then a hands-on session with Analysts took place - most helpful to decide between IB and Markets - and finally a panel discussion, to answer any individual doubt. One little improvement would be to wait for both IB and Markets introduction to be completely over before asking interns preferences for which division to be assessed in.

Intellectually stimulating: speaking with people from a genuine London-style diversity. Fun: everyone was doing what they are interested in and we were all roughly the same age. Relaxed: very very little competition could be felt, virtually all of it only during the Assessment Centre. Engaging: while you will be exhausted at the end of the first day, as soon as you get home, you'll be looking forward to the second day.

Although the spring week was only four days, virtually one entire day was dedicated to improving our personal capabilities. A very useful talk was delivered on techniques for debating, followed by an entire afternoon in which we explored different personalities and how to appreciate the peculiarities of everyone. Obviously this was directed at the Assessment Centre, however these topics are genuinely helpful for the whole life.

Speaking with Analysts definitely help us understand shifts and working hours. Nonetheless, probably spending one day in the actual office would have been more representative. On the other hand, I realise that this is not something that can easily be done because of regulation and security matters.

Literally every employee we've spoken with kept expressing their pride in Barclays' culture, starting with the friendly atmosphere at workplace. Barclays' core values just came across naturally through employees' words.

Hugely more helpful than any online research or other standalone talks. Honestly, before starting this Week the difference between IB and Markets was blurry to say the least. Now I feel like I have grasped the substantive content of both.

We were reimbursed travel expenses and given an amount of money for the 4 days. Both of them were way more than sufficient to live in London/Canary Wharf for 4 days.

It was all about networking basically. Every day finished with a networking session.

Networking is always a bit awkward and intimidating for students. We all think how can I possibly have a meaningful talk with such expert people? But Barclays made it super easy for us to approach everyone and all employees were attentive and responsive to questions.

The very first day employees elaborated on their involvement in internal groups within the bank outside of working hours. Everyone then individually explained how they can carry on doing most external activities together with their job.

Yes. It is an insight - it explains what divisions do and how. It is fun and you make friends.