Summer Internships at Barclays, are a great opportunity to experience the world of finance. We’ll immerse you in our culture, involve you in real projects and give you a thorough overview of our business. It’s normal to feel a bit nervous about how to manage your time, effort and expectations when on programme. Our graduates remember that feeling, so here is their best advice on everything from how often you should meet with your manager to how to manage mid-afternoon snack cravings.
1) Take time to meet managers outside of your team. Managers here are very open to meeting with interns, and you never know who you'll end up working with in the future - Allison, Technology Assistant Vice President
2) The fast pace will test your organizational skills. Keep a daily log of the tasks and meetings you need to manage. When you receive an assignment, confirm timings and expectations. This will help avoid confusion down the road - Joe, Credit Risk Analyst
3) Don't be discouraged if meetings do not go as planned or if they are cancelled. It happens. Just follow-up and stay punctual - Tim, Equity Sales Analyst
4) Set up weekly meetings with your manager. Everyone gets busy, so having scheduled meetings helps ensure that they happen. They'll give you a chance to ask questions and find out how you can improve - Colleen, Finance Analyst
5) Enjoy the city, but prioritize sleep. Everyone remembers the intern who dozes off in meetings! - Laura, Compliance Analyst
Advice from Barclays' graduates on everything from how often you should meet with your manager to how to manage mid-afternoon snack cravings.
6) Always keep your favorite snacks at your desk. You never know when you'll need a midday pick-me-up but are too busy to leave your desk! - Neha, Finance Analyst
7) Try to learn every aspect of the job - the technical side as well as the basics. And take on any task assigned to you. Even the most routine assignment can lead to something more interesting - Madelaine, Compliance Analyst
8) A stain remover pen and lint rollers will be your friends, and your colleagues' friends. Having these items in your desk is a good way to make friends with colleagues in need - Caitlin, Compliance Analyst
9) Keep in touch with the people you got to know during recruiting, even if they're not in your group this summer. They can be great mentors! - Jerry, Banking Associate
10) Always carry a notebook and pen. It may feel strange at first, but don't worry about it. You may be walking down the hall to chat to another intern and get called into someone's office - John, Banking Analyst
11) Sometimes it's easier to just pick up the phone and call than send a lengthy email. Be sure to keep your emails short and sweet. And don't forget to spell-check - Appy, Technology Analyst
12) Focus on relationships; they last longer than any role or assignment - Cody, Compliance Analyst
