Account Manager Support Intern Review

I really enjoyed my internship with Handelsbanken, and felt like have learnt a lot. Adapting to working 9-5 was much easier then expected, as I was working in a comfortable environment where everyone was happy to help if I was ever stuck on a task.

As an intern you often feel like a burden pestering for jobs, but I felt like the Account manager support really appreciated me being there, to help with their workload when they were busy. I became very friendly with everyone and they said that I was part of the team.

The Account manager support offered me lots of support, as I worked very closely with them. They gave me tasks to do, and offered guidance when I was unsure on certain things. They also helped me get set up on all the systems and settle in. The Managers were also very supportive too, often giving me overviews of their work so that I become more knowledgeable in their area.

It was a slow start as it took a while for me to be approved on the systems as they are very secure, but once I was set up I was busy with day-to-day AMS tasks, and tasks where I support the account managers. As an intern you are not there for a very long time so it is hard to learn everything which can limit you on what you can do, this resulted in sometimes having no tasks to do. However, all the staff gave me as many jobs as possible to ensure that I was making the most of my time at Handelsbanken - which I have.

About half way into my internship I was given more responsibility which can be daunting in case you make a mistake. I was in charge of clearing cheques, and setting some AML threshold review which are large responsibilities.

My degree is Business with Finance so completing an internship at a bank was very relevant to my course and future career. It has allowed me to get a real flavour for what the banking world is like and expand on my skills so that I am more prepared for working life.

Everyone was really friendly, sociable and welcoming. We had FIKAs (Swedish breaks) where we all met in the meeting room and had a break together.

I was given a Internship hand book, which had lists of tasks, activities, overview of the company etc. This was very detailed and a really good guidance on where to start. The jobs varied when actually in the branch as there are different requirements and different tasks need to be done. There was also an induction day and an intern day where every was able to meet up/catch up.

Handelsbanken really tried to ensure I got the most out of my internship despite being there only a short period of time. I went to a networking event and customer meetings which really helped me develop my skills. I also completed lads of online training modules where I learnt about a broad range of topics.

When we attended the intern day we went round all the departments and learnt more about them which made me realise that there are so many opportunities in the bank that aren't just based in the branch. I would definitely consider working for Handelsbanken whether it be in the head office or in the branch, and I would consider all the different roles available.

I was the only intern at my branch, I met all the other interns once on the intern day. However, I worked close to home and enjoyed the company of the people in my branch so didn't feel like I needed a good social scene amongst the other interns.

I worked very close to home, which meant that there weren't many expenses. However, Wolverhampton isn't a very expensive area, and the shops / pubs nearby are very cheap to eat in.

I compare Wolverhampton night life to Liverpool (where I study for uni) and in comparison it is very basic, however there are a few nice bars / clubs which are always busy on the weekends.

I did not do any activities outside of work, I went on customer meetings and networking during in work. However, I was not interested in doing activities outside of work.