Operational Risk Intern Review

I am an Operational Risk Oversight Intern at Nationwide Building Society. My role involves supporting the team in overseeing and monitoring operational risks across the organisation. Day to day, I work on a variety of tasks including analysing risk data, preparing reports and presentations, tracking actions, reviewing risk issues, and collaborating with colleagues from different business areas. I also support assurance reviews and help produce information for senior management forums. The role has helped me develop my analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills while gaining an understanding of how risk is managed within a large financial services organisation.

Yes, I was given a good level of responsibility during my placement. I wasn't just observing; I was actively contributing to the team's work and was trusted to manage tasks independently. As my confidence and knowledge grew, I took ownership of areas such as reporting, stakeholder engagement, oversight reviews, and action tracking. Being given real responsibilities made the placement both challenging and rewarding, and helped me develop valuable professional skills.

Throughout my placement, I have developed a range of technical and professional skills. I improved my communication, stakeholder management and analytical skills through working with colleagues across the business and supporting risk oversight activities. I also strengthened my technical skills in tools such as Excel, Power BI and Jira, while improving my confidence, organisation and ability to manage competing priorities. These experiences have helped prepare me for my future career and further studies.

I received a great deal of support throughout my placement from both my manager and colleagues. They were always willing to answer questions, provide feedback, and help me learn. I had regular check-ins to discuss my progress, but I was also trusted to manage my own workload and take ownership of tasks. Having this balance of support and responsibility helped me build confidence and develop my skills over the course of the placement.

The company culture was supportive, inclusive and collaborative. Colleagues were approachable and always willing to help, which made it easy to ask questions and learn. While the environment was professional, there was also a strong sense of teamwork and community. I felt valued as part of the team. There was also a strong network of other placement students/ early careers so it was nice to know there were other people in the same position as you.

I really enjoyed my placement, I developed significantly on a personal and professional level and I am really glad to have done it.

Yes