Technology Summer Analyst Review

I have broadly enjoyed all aspects of this internship. While, in the beginning, learning all the ins and outs of the company, mostly around getting accounts and privileges set up and learning where to go and who to speak to in order to get information, was difficult, overall, the work/life balance was extremely good, my tasks were sufficiently challenging, and I feel like I've spent my summer doing something worthwhile.

My line manager and my team made me feel welcome from day one. Although half of my team is based 300 miles away from me, I always felt they were never more than an IM away if I had a silly question or problem. The firm as a whole, both in the office and the wider community, seems to value me as an employee, even though I'm "only an intern"

My direct management, and even management from other teams have been extremely helpful every step of the way. I've always been able to ask any questions that I have without issue. I've been supported by the entire firm well, although (as has been mentioned), in a broad sense there is a slight issue with knowledge sharing. The specific example that came up was that someone in another team had written an amazingly helpful intern post, but nobody except their intern(s) knew about it. This is only a minor point though.

A very reasonable, steady flow of work was given to me. Given this was my own standalone project, and I wasn't technically integrating with other team members or being "given work to do", I would comment more on the program of training, insight sessions and workshops. Although these, at times, were one after the other to the point I had little time to do any of my project that day, broadly this didn't present any issues.

I was given almost total autonomy over my project to make general decisions and program, although my line manager was still in charge to guide me to make decisions in line with policy and team conventions. Although I had to justify all of my decisions, this actually helped guide me into responsible decisions.

I've refined my knowledge of programming inside an already established code base and gained knowledge of SDLC processes, Docker, Splunk and AWX/Ansible, along with a lot of other fundamental skills (Powershell, Python, Networking/Firewalls, virtualisation, SQL and Databases) and soft skills (presenting, Agile methodologies, working in a corporate environment). This will greatly assist me in my degree studies and any future career

The office and the company as a whole, has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. I was made to feel a part of the company immediately. The company appears to actually care about you and your well being as an employee, which can't be taken for granted at all, from my line manager right up to the executive level.

There are plenty of progression opportunities available through their Technology Access Program. If selected for it after you apply, you go for three months to a hub location and receive intensive training and testing, after which you are placed as an Associate with a team for a minimum of a year. You have the opportunity to apply for these in the middle of your internship, and you aren't restricted to the current years programs if you still have a year or two of university to go.

There were a few events organised by HR throughout my placement, that always involved free food and drinks. My department and the office at large organizes several events throughout the year as well. There were quite a few ad-hoc events planned by my fellow interns as well almost every weekend/payday.

Glasgow is a big city, so the cost of living is a bit expensive compared to other areas. Rent/Public transport is relatively cheap, even if you're living in a suburb and if you know where and when to go, socialising can be extremely affordable or very expensive, depending on whether you're looking for a friendly food and drink session with friends or full whack bottle service for yourself and 100 of your closest friends.

The office is a short walk away from Sauchiehall Street, home to most of Glasgow's bars, clubs and restaurants. The rest are generally concentrated around Merchant City. There's always something going on of a night in Glasgow, whether its a Tuesday night in January or a Friday in the height of summer.