Intern Review

On the whole, I've enjoyed the experience to a large extent. However, sometimes the fact that the whole programme has been online has sometimes felt that I've been slightly disconnected. However, I recognise that it would have been impossible to hold the internship in the office, and I've certainly enjoyed the experience more than no internship at all.

Very much so, my line manager has made sure that the work I've done is meaningful and actually helps the team, compared to giving me arbitrary tasks.

There was a large amount of training at the beginning and any question which I've asked has always been met with a very helpful response.

Although I'm yet to continue my studies, I feel like I've learnt some useful lessons in terms of self management and how to present my work which will aid me in the future.

The structure was made very clear at the beginning and has been stuck to throughout. Particularly in the first week or so, this proved very helpful.

Most of the time, everyone seemed incredibly friendly and sociable. However, at time, as can be understood, there was serious work to do and time pressure on projects, which I found rewarding. The community project was a highlight with regards to the atmosphere as everyone felt it easier to connect and relate to people in the same situation to them.

There was a large amount of online training at the beginning of the internship. There has also been a series of more general self-management seminars throughout which have all be helpful and were structured very well.

It has been made very clear at several points what to expect if we were to gain a place on the graduate scheme. The experience as a whole has also given me more of a detailed guide on what to expect.

It was very helpful and several different people have made clear what the culture and ethos of the company is like. Whether it be in specific introductory conversations or just passing comments with members of my team.

The programme has certainly given me a much richer flavour of what to expect if I were to work here and thus helped me be better informed in any career path decisions I may take in the future.

Due to the virtual nature of the programme there were no expenses for me to be reimbursed for. However, I was provided with a laptop to work on and sent a replacement very promptly when the first one broke.

Several opportunities were made for us to interact with members of different departments. By virtue of working as a member of a team there was a lot of contact with other members of my team. There was also a large amount of interaction with other interns whether it be as part of the community project or through other training events. My line manager also made sure that meetings were set up to speak to other people from inside my department in different roles to learn what they do day to day.

They were usually structured well, however I feel that a couple of the events with other interns in particular were stifled somewhat by the virtual nature of our meetings. However, I recognise that very little else could be done to remedy this situation.

It has been made very clear since the beginning of the internship of what groups and networks an employee can join. Whether it be social networks or sports teams.

Certainly, I feel like I have gained a great deal of experience but also insight into the financial services industry in a fairly short time-frame. I've also enjoyed my time at the FCA and have found the work I've been doing very rewarding