Market Data Services Intern Review

I act as the point of contact between colleagues who need to access data and the vendor's who provide this data. I also managed daily reports which ensured data management and contractual obligations were adhered to, and promoted further efficiency within the organisation. I would also conduct reviews of what our users were using their data for, and would feed this into future contract negotiations to drive costs down.

Vendor management skills were worked on daily as I was in constant,daily communication with external account managers who manage the services our colleagues use. Budget management skills were also developed as we had to consider the departmental budget when requests for data sets were received. Problem analysis and creative thinking were at the forefront of everything we did as we would also be the point of contact when users encountered trouble with their services.

I was given a huge amount of responsibility from the outset and through. Everything I was asked to do had a tangible outcome which not only benefited the department, but the organisation as a whole. This included myself as it helped me gain much confidence, which I felt had been lost during the pandemic. I had to ensure abrdn received value for money in respect of all externally purchased market data and information services.

I not only had my placement manager, who was a part of the department I had joined, but I also had a stream head who has great experience in promoting, supporting and enabling young peoples inclusion within the organisation. Albeit virtual, I was able to ping a colleague a message in our business instant messaging service, and they would reply in no time at all, and everyone was keen to jump into calls to help.

The company culture is the reason I found the internship experience so positive. It is one which promotes: inclusion, innovation, collaboration and happiness. During the internship, I lost my grandfather, whilst my other grandfather collapsed and was in hospital over a prolonged period of time. I was talked through the companies grievance policy and told to take as much time to be with and support my family that was needed.

I enjoyed it so much I now find myself as a graduate with the organisation! The company culture, benefits and development opportunities that I saw when on my internship made me realise that this is where I want to be. To be well looked after, and feel like you're a part of not only your department, but the organisation as a whole in a 10 week period really is something special.

Yes

Be yourself! I had such a great time networking and forming meaningful connections and relationships with people throughout the whole process, and that wouldn't have been possible if I put on a front. No matter what you're educational background is, or what you studied at university, if you give 100% during the application process it will be noted!