Analyst Review

A fantastic first step into the professional world. I was welcomed with open arms, treated with respect, given invaluable opportunities, and taught valuable lessons. The environment was exciting and engaging, while still not causing too much stress, making the experience incredibly enjoyable. My cohort were also fantastic and we often collaborated as a team.

I was treated with respect and felt a general sense of inclusivity within every team I worked with. As a junior, I felt that I was seen as in a position to learn, rather than as someone completely inexperienced by my seniors. Tasks given to me felt tailored and well thought out, and allowed me to contribute in a variety of ways.

My managers were often at hand to give advice. This advice ranged from applying to advice regarding the task at hand, but also broader insights into tasks that were part of my internship or general career trajectory advice. This advice never felt like it was forced or delivered against their will. There was a palpable sense that my supervisors had my best interests at heart.

Busyness, while slightly variable at times, - which is to be expected - rarely went into a realm where I felt completely out of my depth. My workload was actively managed by my superiors, but they also welcomed me to take steps to manage my own workload, which allowed me to create a balanced experience.

I was put in positions were I was able to contribute to how the company operated with clients on multiple occasions. This was a really rewarding experience, and contributed to a general feeling that I was often trusted in positions of responsibility. I was also given the opportunity to submit a proposal on the company's internal operations alongside my cohort.

The experience of time management has already impacted the way in which I carry out and view my studies. The experience has given me the confidence to face more difficult tasks with a sense of purpose and direction. The social skills learnt, especially the beginnings of development of client facing and networking skills, are also incredibly useful outside of my studies.

At a time of turbulence and institutional change at the company the mood remained consistently energetic and enjoyable. I was impressed by the way in which my colleagues maintained absolute professionalism and a focus upon the tasks at hand. The social side, while slightly siloed in individual teams -which is to be expected - was light hearted and enjoyable.

The HR and operations staff involved were always available, welcoming, and knowledgeable. The structure of the internship, with two rotations, was a big plus and appeared well thought out and considered. The way in which they dealt with institutional restructuring on the fly with regard to the internship's structure was a testament to their flexibility and skill in the face of adversity.

Training was the first step of the internship, and while the external deliverers of the training were slightly inconsistent, it was clear that the company had taken steps to ensure that we had access to opportunities for personal development. Furthermore, access to a training platform was available throughout, which was informative and flexible.

The way in which juniors were treated within this organisation was refreshing, appealing, and exciting. Testaments from former grads suggested that in a full time position ex interns are offered fantastic opportunities, and the company's recent refocusing presents a palpable direction and purpose which appears to me as a stimulating environment to work in.

There appeared to be, but I was slightly hampered by my own decision to commute in from outside of the city, which meant I struggled to attend all of the after work events. However, social events put on by the programme's HR and operations team had a great atmosphere, and served as a good opportunity to bond with my cohort.

There is a lot of variety and fantastic venues to attend. Cost of living is notoriously high, but there are ways around it to find a manageable balance, especially if you are conscious of the decisions you take. The main issue was cost of alcoholic drinks, but food is fine and easily manageable.

While costly, there is a great variety of venues all within a close proximity of the city. Public transport also provides an easily accessible opportunity to explore further options that may be more affordable. As is to be expected in a large city though you need to keep your wits about you.

There were loads of volunteering opportunities, which were a part of the company's volunteering scheme. Social events were often, inclusive, and enjoyable. Enrichment events, such as cross generational discussion forums and networking opportunities were also fantastic, and served as a first opportunity to communicate with generations never communicated with before.