Markets and International Banking Review

The internship was very well structured beginning with an enjoyable week of training, followed by 8 weeks on the desks and a final assessment week. Having two rotations, each four weeks long, gives you a really enjoyable experience of more than just one desk.

The tasks and work given by my colleagues was initially very simple to allow me to develop my knowledge and gain a good understanding of the desk and how it operates. Then very quickly I was involved with projects and tasks which were used by other colleagues to aid them with their work. I was given a decent amount of responsibility with regards to the work I was given. I was always included by my colleagues where possible for example conference calls, client meetings and team building activities.

I was given set targets and objectives to complete throughout the process and felt that there was plenty of support available if needed. I was regularly given feedback on my work and guidance on how I could improve the quality of my work.

I was given enough tasks during the day to keep me occupied and engaged in addition to other activities that were scheduled for interns to participate in. Throughout the day there would be enough free time to do some self learning or research if need be.

The level of responsibility increased throughout each of the 4 week rotation as initially there is a transition period whereby it would take a week to be up to speed with regards to the processes and tasks conducted on that particular desk. Once this was overcome the level of responsibility was high enough, but as you can imagine as an intern there is only so much you can do. Each project or piece of work would be checked by someone more senior as part of the process to ensure the standard of work is at the highest possible level.

The skills I have gained will help significantly during my studies, time management and the industry knowledge I have gained will help me during my final year. In addition reading weekly reports in relation to the analysis of the economy have given me an indication to how to go about conducting research and structure a report.

Great atmosphere, often talk is based around work but there are many occasions whereby conversation is not based around the work. A relaxed environment whereby colleagues are free to spend time talking to you where it is about work or not.

Having the right balance in terms of desk rotations and an appropriate length of time for training prepared me well. In addition to this the social events were a great way to network and meet the other interns.

A great number of sessions which develop soft skills as well as industry specific skills a great deal was invested in developing all aspects of an individual.

Great number of social events for you to attend, at least one a week.

I didn't live out, but socialising was the standard London prices, often on many occasions was free.

Good clubs, bars and restaurants to enjoy the evenings that you have free.

Charity days is a compulsory event along with the sports day which both get you out the office.