Find out what our Guest Bloggers are getting up to. Throughout the year we will be following the progress of our Guest Bloggers so read on to find out how Ben has been getting on!

“It’s about time for my second blog, so here we go.

8 weeks into my placement and I’m starting to realise I have made the right choice. The four weeks I’ve now had working alone (without the previous intern training me) have shifted into a new gear, gradually increasing in workload, responsibility and dare I say stress. But as I keep telling friends and family, it’s a “good” level of stress.

The pace has definitely picked up since my last blog, I have taken on multiple research projects which people have asked me conduct, allowing me to demonstrate some of the techniques I have learnt over the past two years. More importantly I have been learning techniques used in financial analysis which I have not come across before. This has provided me with exposure to an area of banking and finance which I am really beginning to enjoy. I am confident the work I’m doing now will help determine the modules I will take in my final year of university: to focus more on finance and econometrics, rather than economic theory say.

I have also been involved in the development and improvement of a new website which the department is intending to roll-out soon. Being asked to think like a client who is using the website has been a useful experience as I constructively scrutinise aspects which could be improved. Since all of the department’s research is published, having a website which is user friendly and efficient is imperative.

When I say I feel I have made the right choice, this not only refers to choosing State Street, who, to give credit, are a tremendously integrated business. The employees are more than willing to help you, and the consensus from the cohort of interns is that even after 8 weeks they felt like a part of the business. My other reference ties into how everyone who I speak to is telling me how invaluable a placement year in industry is. Every week someone else tells me how they wish they had followed a similar path or how much they would value, as an employer, a candidate for a job who has applied skills from experience in the workplace. This reassures me that taking a year out in industry is one of the best decisions I have made, and I recommend this option to anyone considering it. If a year is not possible at your university, a summer internship will provide you with an invaluable insight whilst demonstrating to employers that you are keen and motivated to work in a particular industry. Even if all you learn is that you’re not suited to that particular business or industry, you will come away with insight and experience,; two of the most valuable assets as a graduate.”

Find out more from Ben and our other Guest Bloggers in the next couple of weeks!