Scouring internship pages, daily job openings, being lured in by trendy websites and incessantly checking Facebook notifications on the university’s internship page becomes a way of life for those looking for a summer placement.
The same buzz words permeate all conversations. The same well-trodden paths. The same worryingly barren, slightly-too-new LinkedIn accounts.
For me, it was a question of how to apply my English Literature degree to obtain some experience. Well, here I am working in a start-up bank. So, throw the rulebook out the window.
Starling Bank didn’t discriminate against my lack of financial experience; instead, they’ve tailored my position in the company to my skill-set. From the outset, the vision was clear – a company culture that demands curiosity, creativity and application – and this philosophy has been reinforced throughout my experience.
I’m now in my second week, and it’s perfect timing to write a blog for the new website and say ‘hello’. I want to post weekly, and share a project or a product concept we’re working on; so people like me, who aren’t sure of what to do next, can see the awesome work we’re involved with.
Don’t know much about banks? Don’t worry. With little to no knowledge of the fintech industry prior to Starling Bank, the learning curve was always going to be steep; pleasingly, all of my green questions are gladly answered, and the support in such a bustling atmosphere has been remarkable. For an apprehensive intern entering an unfamiliar workplace, working with people showing a genuine interest in you is pretty awesome.