Technology Summer Analyst Review

- Really enjoyed the experience - Significant steps were taken to ensure that interns still had a worthwhile internship experience despite this having to be moved online due to Covid-19 - The work was varied and well supported to ensure all interns could succeed - Varied work to ensure it remained interesting throughout the placement - All employees were very helpful and supportive, so all interns felt welcome and included even with the internship taking place virtually

- Plenty of support structures were set up to ensure interns immediately felt comfortable in the working environment - Interns were able to work on projects that solved real business problems, and were then able to see the results of these projects - It was great to see our work having a notable difference upon the organisation, and helped us to feel more valuable - The review process was fair and ensured interns felt valued and knew their strengths, as well as areas for improvement

- Many different support structures were set up to ensure interns thrived, even whilst working from home - This included offer buddies, working buddies, managers, and HR reps - Regular meetings with buddies, managers and HR reps ensured that we were successfully progressing with our projects, whilst also comfortably settling into the working environment -The guidance was clear and accessible to individuals from a variety of different academic environments - Friendly culture encouraged asking questions

- Specific technology skills may not be directly relevant to degree studies, but will certainly prove beneficial for my further careers aspirations - Was able to learn specific technical skills (e.g. programming languages and technologies specific to my project), which will be useful if I come across these technologies again - General 'soft' skills were developed throughout the programme through a variety of skill sessions run for the intern class - These will certainly be of assistance in my degree studies and beyond

- The programme was very well structured - Primarily took the form of a project, enabling the interns to gain a deeper understanding of what working here is like, whilst also having ownership of our own work and time management - Numerous sessions and presentations were held to ensure interns could still develop soft skills and network with other students on the programme - Zoom calls and technologies used to facilitate the programme were mostly used seamlessly

- Felt immediately welcomed and comfortable during the programme, even with the difficulties faced by working remotely - Was given a project that required a variety of skills, ensuring that the work remained engaging and interesting throughout the programme - Felt very well supported and therefore never felt scared to ask a question or for further help or clarification - All employees were very supportive, friendly and engaging, helping to consistently include me in meetings and bring me up to speed with the work of my team

- The company provided numerous licenses for online professional training and development services - This enabled interns to develop new skills that were specifically useful to their work or future aspirations - The work I completed on my project was completely different from anything I have undertaken before, therefore enabling me to significantly develop my skills - Mandatory firm training courses were bulky but mostly appropriate and necessary for the work undertaken during the virtual internship

- During the virtual internship, I was able to work alongside numerous recent graduates who were now working at the company full time. This enabled me to learn exactly what working life is like for full time employees - The work undertaken by interns was not too dissimilar from that of full time employees, so we were able to gain a first-hand experience of what it would be like to hold a full time role with the company

- The positive, friendly company culture could be felt throughout the virtual experience. - All current employees were extremely helpful and supportive, thereby ensuring that the company culture was felt across the programme - Being able to undertake work similar to that of existing full time employees enabled interns to develop a sense of the company culture far better than through presentations and speaker events - Enough events were held promoting the company culture that remote working did not significantly affect how well interns understood this

- Prior to the experience, I was unsure about whether this was a path that I wanted to explore further as a future career path. After such a positive and enjoyable experience on the programme, I am much more interested in further pursuing this. - Interns were given hands-on experience of the work undertaken by full-time staff, therefore enabling us to make effective decisions about future careers paths - Interns were also given significant information about different careers within the sector, empowering us to make informed decisions about our careers

Paid Internship Experience

- Many opportunities for networking were available throughout the programme, even whilst working from home - During the induction, we had the opportunity to practice a variety of networking techniques with other interns across departments - Networking opportunities were available through numerous intern presentations and through the team-based intern competition - Team members actively encouraged networking and introduced me to other employees who I could network with - Employees made time to chat and network with interns, ensuring we maximising our learning opportunities

- Networking opportunities were mostly enjoyable and allowed us to get a deeper understanding of the firm's culture and work from a variety of perspectives - Networking with other interns helped to develop a community going through similar experiences, which was particularly enjoyable - Some social events were run virtually (e.g. virtual escape room), which were enjoyable and helped us to get to know other interns on a more personal level - Social events being held virtually were still incomparable to what would have been held if the internship were run in-person

- Yes, presentations were held to explain the numerous networks and opportunities that employees could join and get involved in outside of work - Nevertheless, due to the shortened length of the programme, we were unable to directly get involved with some of these networks/events - A virtual volunteering project was also set up, which provided further insight into the type of activities that employees can be involved with outside of work - This was supplemented by presentations on volunteering opportunities

- Yes, overall the experience far exceeded my expectations - I really enjoyed being able to undertake a project that had a business value, and also was similar to the work being undertaken by full-time employees - The networking and social events gave me the opportunity to meet a variety of people and make some good friends along the way - This was a testament to the positive, friendly culture that could be felt across the company