Spring Intern 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

4.2/5
  • About You
    3.8
  • The Company
    4.4
  • Everything Else
    4.4

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • I really enjoyed it as they gave a lot of insight into the kind of work they do along with the work culture of the company. It felt as though the information they were giving was very valuable. However, there was a lot of presentations and being talked to and not much activity

    4/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • I felt very valued to be a part of the spring week at the FCA, especially during the first day. The first person to give presentations was a woman who really made sure that everyone was involved by letting us all know that we were chosen to be a part of this course.

    4/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • I did not need that much guidance or support during the week and as such, I didn't receive any. However, at the times that I asked for help with something, or I asked a question about pursuing a career with the FCA, my questions were always fully answered. I never needed much guidance as they had already efficiently provided it

    4/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • The information received was mostly focused on what the FCA does, how to apply for the FCA summer internship and other career opportunities at the company. It will likely not assist me in my degree, but the information given would be useful for situations such as giving presentations or working for the FCA

    4/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • It was very well structured. There was a clear plan of what was going to happen every day and the activities we did helped us create our group presentations at the end of the week. Time often overran and we would be a bit behind schedule during the day, but we always finished on time

    5/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • It was a positive environment and the leaders were easy to understand and easy to talk to. I really appreciated this as I had many questions to ask, and they were all answered effectively. However, as they mostly gave presentations and were talking to us, at times it felt a bit difficult to concentrate as we weren't doing much for the day

    5/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • For the spring week, they do not require personal training and development as it was mostly learning more about the company. There was one part where we had to create a presentation in a group, however, this was more of a group project that didn't require much help from others. Therefore, there was no investment in my training and development

    3/5

  • 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
  • This provided me with an excellent insight into what it would be like to work here. There were speeches from current graduates and current employees and they gave us a tour of the building to view all the workspaces, gym, canteen, garden, etc. Of course, I can't know everything about the company and how all the employees feel about working there, but it gave me a good idea of the work culture

    5/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • I feel as though I've understood the company culture quite well. They mentioned that as a regulating company, they believe they need to set an example for the companies they are regulating. As such, they set examples for inclusivity in their environment through methods such as groups for LGBT+, disabilities and ethnic minorities to meet up.

    5/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • The content was extremely valuable. I began not knowing exactly what I wanted to do after university and now I have some sort of insight into what I want to do, which includes working at the FCA on the graduate scheme. While I am still not 100% sure what career path to join, it has given me an idea of what I want to start with

    5/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • They have offered to reimburse my travel expenses, however, it is taking some time for them to do this. I contacted them the day after the event ended and have been trying to sort this out, but it has now been 3 weeks since the event and I have not been reimbursed yet. I'm hoping that this will happen soon


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • There were plenty of opportunities to meet other employees. There were graduates as well as current employees giving presentations to us about the work life at the FCA and we were given the opportunity to speak to them one on one as well as in groups to ask them plenty of questions

    5/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • The networking opportunities were great. One thing they mentioned that will always stick to me is that the people that were doing the spring week with me were the best people to begin networking with. I've gained many new contacts - both from employees and potential employees of the FCA

    5/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • Yes. There is a gym on site that has several different classes such as yoga classes. Apart from this, I didn't learn much more about the types of activities that employees get involved in outside of work. I did, however, get the impression that there are many things to do, I just don't know what they are.

    3/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • I would definitely recommend the insight to my peers. Next year, I will have a position of authority in my society and will do my best to spread the word about this spring week as it is a great opportunity in the finance sector that not many people know about yet.

    5/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

London

May 2019


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