Select a region
Today, Standard Bank Jersey celebrates the end of its successful summer internship programme which saw six bright young graduates and school leavers join the business for an eight week placement. Now in its third year, the programme saw an extremely high calibre of applicants which resulted in permanent roles for two of the candidates.
The popularity of internships has rocketed in recent years with an average of 11,000 being advertised across the UK as securing roles become more competitive. Standard Bank therefore place great importance on the programme, ensuring that it is as beneficial to the intern as the employer by paying a competitive salary and involving the interns on a varied number of tasks to give them full exposure to the business.
From a large number of initial applicants, a selection of the top Jersey graduates and school leavers were chosen to undergo a team-focussed interview process at the Bank. This looked to increase their confidence and improve interview techniques, whilst matching their skillsets and expectations with the relevant sectors within the business. Six candidates were then awarded a place on the scheme which ran from July to September.
Interns were assigned to specific departments within the bank including Marketing, Operations, Project Management, IT and Human Resources, however worked on a number of projects and tasks that gave them insight into the wider business, such as charity work, recruitment, interaction with stakeholders and client investments administration.
Will Thorp, Chief Executive of Standard Bank Wealth International, said: “We believe that it is incredibly important to kick start the development of young talent by treating them as any member of staff would be coming into Standard Bank. The expectation on them to
perform at the highest level is rewarded with solid training and an insight into how the corporate industry works. In turn, their presence helps to drive up energy levels, offers a new dynamic to the teams and brings in new ideas to the business from an outsider perspective.”
Following the end of the programme, the business was pleased to receive 100% positive feedback from all interns regarding their overall experience, with half of them wishing to extend their placement.
Jack Bougeard, who was offered a permanent role on the IT team following his placement, said “My internship experience was the best possible introduction to the corporate world, all the way through I was able to learn and be given the support I needed to reach my goals. I am extremely happy that I was able to secure a place as a permanent member of staff and look forward to benefiting my team and the Standard Bank Group.”
