Banking

"I observed and help where and when was necessary. As I joined the department when they were ongoing an Internal Group Audit, hence I was actively involved in preparing the documents required by the auditors. This includes finding the document, ensuring that it was the correct document and that all the required additional documents are attached, photocopying the document for additional filing purposes and scanning the file to my line manager who would do the finally checking.

Due to the lack of time, we did not kick start the project that was to owned by me and another intern from end-to-end. However, we were instead given a mini project to come out with ideas to enhance the product/campaign workflow. This would benefit both future and current employees as they would be able to understand clearly what is required from them, which before this they may have missed out."

"The internship met my expectations as I came to the Bank with the intentions of learning anything and everything. Throughout the 11 weeks, I was able to experience working in the Bank, liaising with different departments, being exposed to various products and processes of the Bank.

My biggest take-away lesson about the organization is that anyone can get anything done, but the amount of effort that you pour into completing a task would reap different results. This internship gave me a great insight into the banking industry as I was able to see how the departments function and support each other.

Among the skills I gained from this internship include people skills whereby I learnt to communicate with different level of authority people whereby it is important to be specific and straight to the point. I also learnt alot of the photocopying/printing/scanning machine as well as their functions and troubleshooting. Moreover, I improved my Excel skills, communication skills, learnt to be fast and efficient and generally a better person."

"My mentor actively involved me, ensured I gained from the internship and made up for lack of structure with active improvisation.

My supervisor was constantly hands on with the interns of the department, which in this case was me and another intern. She would constantly guide us on how to complete the task, and would be stern if we kept doing it wrongly.

She made sure that we were involved and was always learning. She brought us along to meetings and even let us attend workshops with top managements of different departments which really opened my eyes as I was able to see how the top managements communicated with each other.

Overall, she was very approachable, constantly helping me, and praising if I’ve done something right, or explaining to me if I’ve done something incorrect which motivates me to perform better. She was also always asking about our feedback and making sure that we are happy.

The other intern and I are both given ownership over the catalogue of files that we did."

"Having joined the department during audit season, everything was fast paced and required immediate attention. This enabled me to learn fast about everything. However, it also denied me the opportunity to do a project as my supervisor and line manager were too caught up with the auditing to assign me to a project.

Hence, I would have loved to have been involved in a project instead of doing mostly repetitive work everyday. It was indeed exciting as different documents and campaigns were required, yet it was repetitive as it was still the same routine of work."

"The internship would be most rewarding for applicants who have a strong interest in the Banking industry and the drive to work as there would be late nights and going home on time is a rare opportunity.

It would be helpful to have good Excel skills, be a neat person, and to work efficiently and effectively. It is also important to have a good attitude and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most importantly, be cheerful, approachable and polite."