Barclays investment Banking summer internship
The 'rules' include an expectation that interns be the last ones to leave the office at night, and a suggestion that the interns bring a pillow or yoga mat to the office, as "it makes sleeping under your desk a lot more comfortable".
The email also included a allusion toHe wrote: "I would recommend reading the GS Elevator twitter feed for some social cues. It might be seen as a joke to some people, but around here I think many people find it insightful."
A typical post is ‘overheard’ remarks, such as: “I never give money to homeless people. I can’t reward failure in good conscience.”
The email is most likely a - very bad - joke. But banks have been preoccupied with the conditions that interns work in since 21-year-old Moritz Erhardt died after working for 72 hours in 2013.
The typical day of an intern (Alamy)
Barclays hastily tried to distance itself from the email, saying in a statement that it “was in no way authorized by Barclays".
The company added: "Barclays is fully committed to creating an environment where both our bankers and our business can thrive. We have implemented policies and training guidelines to enable employees to gain valuable experience while at the same time maintaining a healthy work-life balance.”
Justin Kwan's "10 Power Commandments":
- Our group dresses very conservatively. Given that it is summer, no socks is accepted and, in fact, encouraged. (Men: On your first day at the desk, it is customary to wear a bowtie and/or suspenders).
- Remember: this is a summer internship for a full-time offer, it won't be easy. If you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen.
- We expect you to be the last ones to leave every night ... no matter what. That's what good summer analysts do. (Also getting in earlier than me would be a power move - you should enjoy your casual 9.15am arrival time this Friday, but I wouldn't get used to it).
- During your first few weeks we ask that you direct all of your questions to Michael Lomio. Tell the other summers too, Michael is industry agnostic. If you ask me a question it will be noted.
- Never take your jacket off at work. This is investment banking, ladies and gentlemen. Other groups may be more liberal when it comes to summer dress code, unfortunately we're not.
- You will be assigned junior "mentors", it is much appreciated if you would bring breakfast in for your respective "mentor". Some people are more particular about this than others.
- I recommend bringing a pillow to the office (yoga mat works as well). It makes sleeping under your desk a lot more comfortable, in the very likely scenario that you have to do that.
- You are expected to allocate at least half your seamless web order for group appetisers/snacks for the month of June. No questions asked. Once the 2nd years leave, you can enjoy for $25 allocations.
- Have a spare tie/scarf or two around. You never know when your associate will run out of napkins.
