HR Analyst Review

The experience was fabulous, I had exposure to senior meetings and projects, was set my own projects and given help with anything I didn't understand. In addition to this they promoted a positive work life balance, and it was easy to make friends with the other interns as they put on many networking, charity and social events for us.

I was welcomed into the team and made to feel at home straight away, the roles of each person and the aims of the team as a whole within the wider business were communicated to me on the first couple days of being there. Senior management also took an interest in us as interns and hosted various lunch and learns or speaker sessions for us.

My manager provided constant support and was there for me whenever I didn't understand certain acronymns or or processes. They also involved me in all the teams activities such as negotiations, senior business meetings, hosting events etc. The team was also always willing to answer any questions I had - the environment of the Bournemouth office is extremely friendly.

I never felt afraid to take a break or go to have my lunch when I was ready. They want you to work efficiently so don't want you to be overworked. They promote a work-life balance because they want happy staff, and to retain the talent they have. I never had too much on my plate because people were always willing to help as well.

The responsibility you take is upto you - you can go above and beyond on the projects you are given and people will support you with that. They will never give you more than you can handle though because they are aware that you are new and getting used to how things work.

Inter department collaboration means that you get to learn new skills from your colleagues all the time - for example I got to exercise my coding skills in developing something in Python despite my degree being in sociology. Things we did like presentations, research, networking all improved my confidence vastly.

Everyone seemed happy to be there and relaxed in the Bournemouth office. That was the first thing that strook me me when I went for my interview, it completely went against the banking stereotype. People mingled with each other and no one looked remotely stressed, because people were being treated well as staff.

The internship was well organised especially events, networking and speaker sessions. People interacted and made friends easily and you got to learn about the company very quickly which helped in understanding your role in the wider business and areas you may apply to in the future when rolling off the grad scheme.

There were many training sessions put on that were compulsory as well as optional training modules that could be attended in person or in real life. Basic skills such as office ettiqute or building a personal brand we're some of the many sessions they put on for interns. Any skill, such as Excel or coding l, can be learnt through the training courses .

I was offered the graduate scheme after the intership and was made to feel valued throughout the whole process. Unlike other Banks where interns compete in cut throat style, we felt that we were valued individually and didn't have to compete with one another for places, this also contributed to the frejdnly and positive enviornment.

Many networking events, charity days and work events like BBQs and summer parties were put on for the staff to unwind and socialise. They emphasize a balance in your life and do a lot to contribute to this balance. It was very easy to make friends, both with interns and more senior people .

Bournemouth was quite expensive but the company provides relocation funding which helps with the move. Some people got student acomondation in halls which was quite cheap, but staying anywhere else can be quite expensive. This is okay though because the salary you are being paid more than covers it really

Bournemouth has a fabous night life and variety of bars and clubs to attend, as well as good places to eat in the daytime. Being by the beach also means BBQs at the weekends and water sports which means there is a variety of things to do in the area.

All the interns did charity corporate days and helped out in the local community with forestry and replanting areas of heathland. This is something all employees have the chance to do as one compulsory day can be taken per year for charity. Last year people assisted with replanting trees and getting involved in learning about conservation.