Summer of Interns: Future Leaders in the Making
Every summer Bigbank has opened its doors to students who would like to put their theoretical knowledge into practice. This is a two-way exchange where interns gain invaluable real-world experience, and we benefit from their diverse talents and insights.
Rait Robert, Credit Risk Modelling Unit
My internship experience was very positive, thanks to the friendly employees and supportive environment. What I found most rewarding was the independence I had in my role, as I was given my own task and the freedom to approach it as I saw fit. This allowed me to apply my knowledge creatively and take ownership of the project. I also gained valuable communication skills through discussions with various stakeholders, each bringing different perspectives to the project. Additionally, I improved my proficiency in the programming language I used, especially when applying functionalities I hadn't encountered before. Moving forward, I plan to continue my studies at university while continuing my work with the company.
Daniils, Mortgage Loan Department
I had a very positive impression. In preparation for the interview, I studied the bank's public financial statements to learn more about the organization, and they looked very convincing. During the interview stage, I was even offered to meet in the office and given a small tour to introduce potential job duties and colleagues if I would be approved for the intern position. I already knew from public data that the average age of employees at the Latvian branch of Bigbank AS is 36 years and the average length of work is 84 months (7 years), which showed that people like to work here, but I could not even imagine that the collective could be so positive and at the same time a productive atmosphere fostered by a large number of traditions and joint events. In the first 2 weeks, together with other interns, I had training, during which they talked about the principles of the bank's operation, introduced the bank's products and trained them to perform their job duties. After each topic there were various tests to make sure we had learned the material. Only when we passed all the tests, then did active and productive work begin - there was a mentor in my department who really helped me get into the work process - she showed me how to use knowledge practically and where the free ice cream is, helped in unclear cases, if I had some questions. During several months, I did and learned something new every day, so the time passed very quickly and interestingly.
Liina, Software Engineering
During my internship, the company left a very positive impression on me. I saw firsthand that it genuinely cares about its employees, all of whom I found to be incredibly nice and helpful. One of the most rewarding aspects was being able to apply everything I've learned over the past few years and make meaningful contributions to my team and our projects. I also gained valuable insight into what a real job in software development looks like and discovered how fulfilling it can be, particularly in the context of an Agile workflow.
Andrei, Consumer Loan Processing Unit
What I like most about the company is its dedication and customer focus, and I’ve found all the employees to be friendly and helpful, making it a pleasure to interact with them. During my internship, I gained a variety of skills and experiences, with some key moments standing out. I developed a deeper understanding of how a modern bank operates, which felt completely different from the theory we learned in lectures. Working in a great team and honing my collaboration skills were invaluable lessons that are crucial in today’s world. I also learned about the process of issuing consumer loans and how to conduct and verify video identification.
Anastasija, Consumer Loan Processing Unit
Bigbank gives the impression of a forward-looking and customer-oriented company where employees are encouraged to grow and contribute meaningfully to the success of the organization. Additionally, the company provides ample opportunities for learning and growth, which has been invaluable during my internship.
The most rewarding aspects of my internship were the practical learning opportunities, professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact. I gained practical experience that was incredibly valuable to me. I was able to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios, which deepened my understanding of the financial services industry. The guidance and mentoring from experienced professionals has been instrumental in my development. Their willingness to share insights and provide feedback helped me develop both technical skills and knowledge of the industry I am interested in.
Completing sometimes several different tasks at once has taught me how to prioritize, stay focused and meet deadlines. I also gained skills in using loan processing software and other financial tools that are necessary to manage applications, track progress and keep accurate reports. I developed critical thinking skills by analyzing complex cases and finding solutions to problems that arose while doing my job.
Markuss, Housing Loan Unit
The internship at Bigbank was been a very valuable and intensive experience. During this time, I gained in-depth knowledge of bank processes and customer service processes. The support and responsiveness of the team helped me improve my skills and better understand the nuances of the financial sector. The Bigbank team is like one big family that will always support and encourage you both during and outside of work. I am very grateful for this opportunity and the knowledge I have gained.