Intern Review

I think the work that I completed on my internship became more challenging as I understood the role and project more. I also think that the way I was left to do the work without being told exactly how to do it helped me learn how to manage my own time and prioritise tasks.

My colleagues treated me as one of the team from the first day. I think I was included instantly in every team meeting, and asked for my opinion which made me feel valued. However, on occasion I felt like I could have been pushed to do more by my colleagues.

My line manager was very supporting. Our weekly one to ones were an hour long, and he spoke to each member of the team individually on a daily basis. This made me feel like I could go to him about an issue I might have, and made me feel much more comfortable.

My workload varied. Some days I was very busy and felt like too much work had been given to me and other days I didn't feel like I had much to do. However, as the internship went on it got to the point where I would pick up tasks on a weekly basis and complete them in my own time.

I was given much more responsibility than I had expected. While I didn't feel that the team depended on my role, I oversaw an important part of the project that had to be done. Without this responsibility I fear that I may not have felt like part of the team.

I have learnt a lot about time management and how important it is to prioritise tasks when I'm busy. I will also take with me the people skills that I have learnt, and will feel much more comfortable in whatever graduate role I go in to. I think it has left me well equipped.

My office had a perfect balance of friendly characters who were also very willing to get on with their work. Everyone was very welcoming and willing to answer my questions when necessary, however they could also all become very serious and focused when work was involved. It was a great environment!

From my own personal experiences, I had no issues with logging in/email/access to the building on my first day. I know this is a common problem with new starters but my team was very well prepared for me to start. Following this, the way tasks were delegated to me was efficient, and helped with my development.

RBS have provided many opportunities to watch/listen professionals speak about their career and give a greater insight into other areas of the business. They also provided opportunities to take part in events away from the office, which helped to maintain the varied balance of the work. I felt like the firm were trying to help with my development from the very beginning.

Future prospects with the company are very appealing because I have been made to feel like an important member of my team during the short time that I have been here. The general friendliness around the whole office, and flexible working that is available make working for RBS very appealing in the future.

A lot of the interns socialised amongst each other, however I often felt too tired to go out on work nights!

Edinburgh is quite an expensive and touristy city, and os during the summer accommodation is very expensive. However, this was made up for by the varied social scene around the city, as there is an array of bars and restaurants. There was always somewhere to go, however it was always very busy.