Spring Week Intern Review

The daily activities are highly diverse, with presentations, group study, walking tour, working shadowing, etc. It is a new fun and exciting challenge everyday. The presenters, all the current employees, are sincere to share their valuable personal experiences throughout their careers and patient to answer all students' queries, even for the chairman of the FCA whom I have managed to see and having presentations by twice. From all the resources and materials the FCA and its partner Elevation Networks provided, it is obvious to tell that they really take this insight programme in to account seriously with devotion and delicate arrangements. The hosts are evidently down-to-earth and care considerably for their interns and potential employees. It's almost perfect that I have been getting marvellous amount of insights and knowledges everyday, although I do get tiredness after the whole days' tight schedule, which is worth it. I sincerely appreciate the FCA and Elevation Networks again for holding this well-rounded and well-designed insight programme, and most importantly, giving me the chance to learn and improve.

The stuffs are really considerate; they even noticed me eating alone because I bought my own foods and just relaxed on the sofa, asked if everything is alright and invited me to join other groups. I feel cared by them so much. Not mentioning I have seen and learnt from the chairman twice, I have actually gained loads of insights from several very senior stuffs. The FCA really supported this few days' insight programme from the top to the bottom, with best input possible.

I have actually been receiving guidance and support everyday. The different day-to-day activities focus on distinct aspects on skills building for us. I have never been helpless nor lost and always spent my time on valuable and meaningful sessions.

It will guide my learning and life everyday, getting implemented in all the learning and career events I will be involved in. I have obtained both improvements on practical transferable skills and spiritual support and motivations. I feel more confident of realising my goals for career and encouraged to be a female leader in a male-doña noted industry, say investment banking.

I want to say it is very well-structured. No redundant sessions, no surprisingly long days. It involved sessions at different places, and there could be more changes of locations during one day instead of having sessions delivered in the same room, to keep students excited, energetic and always looking forward to trying things new.

It is great, in a sense that people cooperate well, under no pressure, in a relaxed and considerate atmosphere, to obtain knowledge and improvements effectively and efficiently. There could be more interesting and fun social or networking activities as ice breakers at the beginning of the programme to get to know each participant better in advance in order to adapt in quickly and start smooth cooperations.

The FCA has really invested the best possible sources within the firm to this insight programme, valuing the purposes and outcomes of this event. I have met many employees from different divisions, and talked in depth with some about many things I wonder about the FCA and their real working life.

With introductions of their life at the FCA by different employees, I can tell and imagine the working-life balance of the full time role there, as well as commitment to and passion for helping consumers, which intrigue me a lot.

By having presentations from and talking to many current employees, it has clearly shown me the positive working atmosphere and the commitment to protecting customers among the whole firm. The objectives of the FCA are made clear to me that they are aiming to regulate the financial services market to function well in order to protect the consumers in the UK.

I get lots of encouragement and motivations from people I talk to everyday. I am assured and more confident to be a great female leader in my career path. The content of the day is invaluable.

I didn't get paid for this 4-day insight programme, and it's reasonable because I'm learning from the resources and facilities the FCA has provided. I won't be reimbursed expenses because I have been taking Uber cabs due to the fact it is a little bit hard and confusing to use the DLR which I have never used in the UK before, also the too many people crowding at rush hours make me terrified.

There are uncountable opportunities to talk with the stuffs at the FCA. Indeed, all of them are willing to solve our queries or concerns, being supportive.

They are delivered in various formats, from panel discussions to working closely with some specific ones. They are effective in a sense that we can get different experiences and gains under different circumstances.

There are lots of volunteering opportunities offered by the FCA. Also, there are societies for like-minded people or those with similar characteristics. There is a on site gym as well.

Yes, definitely. It deserves to be known and welcomed by much more students, and it will benefit more students for sure.