Q1: Which qualities & skills do you possess that make you suited to the role to which you have applied?
After reading the requirements for the intern position in your organization, I am confident that I have the relevant skills and vast experience applicable to the organization. My dedication in class has helped me acquire a GPA of 3.81 with As in Economics, Calculus, Statistics, and accounting in my Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of California, Los Angeles, which I believe are mandatory to research. I am a self-motivated team worker with proven leadership qualities that are also instrumental to learning as a group. I have attended and completed trainings on leadership in investment banking, private equity, real estate, networking, financial statement analysis, valuation, stock picking strategies, technical analysis, and using Bloomberg, Capital IQ, and OneSource in different workshops and attained good credits. I have gained experience from different recognized firms that offer competitive learning and challenging career environments such as LPL Financial LLC where I worked as an intern in the wealth management department. Other experiences also include Metlife/New England Financial where I worked as an intern in the finance and marketing department, Travel with Carnet as a researcher, Diablo Valley College as a teacher assistant, and Lee Tung Trading Company as a sales representative. I believe that given the opportunity, I can use these skills and experience to learn more about my career as well as develop the organizational image. I am willing to take up any assigned location since I also like adventure.
Q2: From the research that you have done on our industry, how does Barclays differentiate itself from our competitors?
After conducting research and reviewing several literatures on the banking industry and Barclays, I have realized that the organization has conducted comprehensive reviews of its operations as well as examined the external environment while making future projections on the same. In differentiating itself from the competitors, the organization has engaged in reshaping its operations to the extent of making tough commercial decisions of eliminating its businesses that it considers inconsistent with its financial targets and reputational criteria. Additionally, the organization looks forward to building a universal bank that generates return on equity that is sustainable in excess of the cost of equity as well as meeting stakeholders’ expectations. Moreover, the organization has also intensified its community social responsibilities such as project sponsorships. Barclays also has a scale and diversity in business that allows for sustainability through the delivery of operational excellence, risk management, investing in innovation, and proper allocation of resources.
Q3: Describe a recent development in the banking industry. What implications might this development have for the division to which you have applied?
One of the recent developments in the banking industry is Insurance. Most banks have introduced insurance covers to their clients with policies ranging depending on the amount of money held on the clients’ accounts. According to the intern placement as a researcher, I believe that this development will assist me in finding the reactions of account holders and how they feel about this new product as compared to the services of insurance firms. Additionally, I believe that working with a multinational corporation like Barclays will help develop my understanding of the banking industry and financial management.
