Technology Review

by Barclays

Best Student Employer

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

3.1/5
  • The Role
    2.7
  • The Company
    3.5
  • The Culture
    3.3

    The Role

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

    • I was given a business project to complete over the 8 weeks which was based around looking at the current desk space within London for my department and coming up with short and long term solutions to deal with the excessive demand for office space in London. I was based in London and my line manager in Manchester so there was very little face to face contact. My team buddy rarely had time for me or the other intern he was looking after as he was constantly on calls to India where most of the team is based. I found my particular team was quite political and pessimistic an not very social. There is a great network of interns though so that wasn't a big issue for me. We also had a group project which was to develop an ideas to increase efficiency or reduce costs within our stream. I found this very enjoyable.

    2/5
  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

    • My manager was really friendly and approachable it was a shame we didn't get much time to get to know each better. My team buddy and the rest of the team didn't make much effort to get to know me on a personal level. Although some people on the floor were really friendly.

    1/5
  • 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

    • My manager provided support via phone and email whenever required.

    3/5
  • 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

    • I rarely had nothing to do but the workload was never to excessive to manage.

    5/5
  • 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

    • I was given ownership of a project and told to bring a fresh perspective.

    3/5
  • 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

    • The level of training provided by specialists is second to none; presentation training, financial markets training etc.

    4/5

    The Company

  • 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

    • It was dull and quiet at most times. During the Olympics Canary Wharf was a ghost town. I was sat with 3 other interns who made working life interesting. The general building is very corporate and formal as you would expect but other buildings around London are more relaxed and casual. Outside London it is completely the opposite.

    3/5
  • 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

    • It was very structured in terms of your objectives for the 8 weeks a mid term appraisal to see how you were doing. A group project with support of a mentor and an initiative that encouraged you to meet with top directors across the bank.

    4/5
  • 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

    • Great training, Excellent networking opportunities with senior members of staff. We received a talk from John Winter and Joe Squeri!

    5/5
  • 10. What were the perks on your work placement?

    • Subsidised Canteen

    Subsidised/Company Gym

    Company Parties/Events
    3/5
  • 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

    • The internship is a structured path to a full-time offer; you are told on your last day if they would like to offer you a position.

    4/5

    The Culture

  • 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

    • Amazing nights out including weekly drink at Abacus, dragon boat racing, roller discos, BBQ's and house parties!

    5/5
  • 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

    • It's London- during the Olympics!!!! I paid £165 pw for a small single room with a shared bathroom and kitchen in canada water. This went up to £200 during the olympics. On the plus side I could get door to door in work in about 15 mins on a good day.

    1/5
  • 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

    • Canary Wharf is great and so is central London- Bank, Holborn etc

    5/5
  • 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

    • Not many activities with Barclays but with other interns, plenty!

    3/5
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Details

Internship (1 Month+)

London

August 2012

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