University: UCL Course: Politics and East European Studies BA Position: Markets Summer Intern
Hayley Jane Thatcher
www.top50.gd/rbs
To what extent are you enjoying your internship? I am having a fantastic time at RBS and really enjoying the experience. I would be lying in saying everyday is a picnic as each day presents a new challenge. Sometimes you will rise to these with ease but other times you will struggle - that’s just the nature of the business. However, when you have a good day and really succeed with something, whether it’s completing a piece of work or finally understanding a technical product, it is hugely rewarding. How much responsibility have you been given? The level of responsibility you are given will depend on which desk you sit on. I currently sit in Emerging Markets Research and Strategy. One of the benefits of being in research is that you can actually contribute and help the team with real projects therefore my team has given me a large amount of responsibility. I think that when it comes to working in an investment bank it is often a case of sink or swim; you are expected to learn fast, work hard and cope under pressure. To what extent will the skills you develop and training you have received assist you in your degree studies and beyond? At university I studied Politics and East European studies at UCL. Sitting on the Emerging Markets desk has meant I have really been able to utilise my degree as I have been focusing my research on Russia and Eastern Europe. Furthermore, the internship has also given me the opportunity to use my Russian language skills, and as a consequence of speaking Russian everyday I am improving very quickly. The past few weeks have been a very steep learning curve, I have learnt so much and know that these skills will prepare my for my future studies and career beyond university.
How well organised has your internship been? You cannot fault the organisation of the internship at RBS. HR do a fantastic job in making sure everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing and where they’re supposed to be. Also, the HR team really look after you, which is important as sometimes you will need someone to guide you through the tough times when you are feeling lost or struggling with work. And finally – what is the best thing about RBS and your internship? The people! During my internship I have met some amazing individuals that I hope to stay in touch with throughout my career. One of the most important things about entering a business is finding the right fit and I have been really lucky in that the culture at RBS has been perfect for me.
“RBS has a great culture where senior management are very accessible and willing to lend a hand.” - Student from the University of Oxford
“RBS strongly invests in the interns. We were given first class training “ - Student from the University Bath “Quote from Student Reviews at RateMyPlacement”
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