Laurence Griffin

Intern Deutsche Bank

 Laurence Griffin - Intern Deutsche Bank

After a successful recruitment process onto the Deutsche Bank scheme (through a series of assessment questions, phone interview and face-to-face interview), I started my original 3-month internship in September 2016.

I found the recruitment process very friendly, far more so than any other scheme. The process involved a series of questions (both fun and also challenging), a phone interview with HR and then a face-to-face interview in the City of London which, whilst of course daunting, turned out to be the best and most relaxed interview I had by far (and I have had many interviews in my time!).

The induction was a good introduction to what we were expect to do during the 3-month internship. We were gently introduced to the some of the different functions within the bank, how to use the online system day-to-day and to find out about our point of contacts.

I received fantastic support from my line manager. He really helped me find my feet and settle into a fixed role that I worked in alongside another colleague. I was given flexible working arrangements, where I was able to come in at 10am, instead of 9am, to avoid the rush-hour. I also attended regular intern reviews, ‘lunch and learn’ sessions and networking with people from different divisions. I always felt comfortable talking about work and personal issues with my point of contact on the internship scheme and it was the first time I had ever felt included on a graduate scheme and in a graduate environment that is normally hierarchal.

Despite never previously envisaging working in an investment bank, I have been happy with the huge support network I have developed with my current employer and I hope to continue to work with them in the future. In December 2016 my line manager gave the fantastic news that my contract had been extended by another 3-6 months within CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). I believe my contract was extended because of my initiative when networking, being pro-active in sourcing the point of contact for CSR and because of showing a key will to learn the ropes.

I have acquired a number of skills that are unique to my internship experience. I have gained new skills in managing multiple teams, managing mass communications (content read by c.10,000 colleagues), stakeholder management, liaising with external partners to engage in programmes and working within a team. I have improved my pre-existing skills in engaging with colleagues at different seniority levels, networking, time management (managing deadlines) and work efficiency (prioritising work).

I was part of the original Autistica internship scheme (a 3-month placement for Autistic graduates) that was launched by Deutsche Bank with support from Ambitious about Autism. Many of us have had our contracts extended and continue to work at the bank to this day. Following the great success of this scheme, the internship will be running again this year (starting from September 2017).