BARCLAYS
Internship Experience 2015 by Krunal Maskai B.Tech. IT
INTERNSHIP PROCESS
In November 2014, the students were asked to fill an online application form for the Barclays campus recruitment. The students were asked to take an online assessment within 5 days of receiving the email.
The online assessment was the Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) which evaluates your typical or preferred way of behaving and thinking in the workplace.
16th January, 2015 – Written Tests
The shortlisted candidates had to appear for 2 written tests in our college –
1. Inductive reasoning
It was a logical reasoning test with around 18-20 questions to be solved in 15 minutes.The test isn’t tough. All questions were based on identifying the next element of a provided series of shapes or combination of shapes, or other patterns.
2. Situational Judgement Test
This test had 18 videos of 1 – 1.5 minutes, each presenting you with a situation that you will face in your job. The video will be followed with a 4 or 5 options. You need to select the option which you would prefer and the option which you would avoid as a solution for the situation.
22nd January, 2015 – Assessment Center
The shortlisted candidates were invited to the Renaissance Hotel in Powai for this round. Groups of 5-6 were made for the following two activities.
1. Group Case Study
Each group was assigned a table with 2 judges per table. The idea was that each group was to discuss the case handed to it, and come up with a solution to the problem. At the end, the group was to give a presentation to the judges who would also be hearing the entire discussion. A white board was also provided.
A case paper is provided to each team member which is of about 10-15 pages.
10 minutes are provided to read and make notes from it.
30 minutes are provided to discuss the case and draw-up a solution
10 minutes for presentation.
2. Group Exercise
The same group was continued and 2 judges were assigned per table. The group exercise was to solve a puzzle which involved moving multicolored tiles following a set of rules to get a random pattern displayed on an iPad. 25 minutes were first given to practice, get familiar with the rules and formulate strategies. Then the group had to predict a time in which they could solve the puzzle and go on to complete the game.
23rd January, 2015 – Interviews
1. Technical Interview
It was a 15-20 minute interview taken by 2 interviewers. Basics about the core technical subjects like Data structures, Java, Operating Systems, Software Engineering(SDLC), Database(SQL) were tested.
2. Strength Based Interviews
There is a standard set of 24 questions which are all aimed at the person’s experiences. Lasted for around 30 minutes.
3. Online Technical Test
There were three online tests. These tests were for Java, C++ and SQL. The total duration of the 3 tests together was 30 minutes. Total number of questions was 15.
MY EXPERIENCE
The first form to be filled had 3 questions which required 300 word answers. The questions were : ‘Why do you want to work in Barclays’,
‘What are some modern developments in the financial world which will affect the department in which you wish to work?’
Do proper research about these topics and write logical answers.
1. Inductive reasoning
The Inductive reasoning test does not require any special preparation. It is very easy, keep things simple. The only preparation you would need is the practice test provided by Barclays in their selection mail.
2. Situational Judgement Test
The Situational Judgement test also does not require any preparation. Watch the video closely and pay attention to details. Follow your instincts and truthfully answer the questions.
3. Group Case Study
For the Group Case Study, read as much of the case study possible in the 10 minutes provided. Prioritize the important parts and skip the less significant parts. The judges will observe your knowledge, language, and most importantly your participation in the team.
Do not speak just for the sake of speaking. Precise, logical points will be given more importance. Follow the usual guidelines for Group Discussions like not interrupting someone and waiting for your turn.
The Case study required general business domain knowledge apart from somewhat technical knowledge.
4. Group Exercise
The main aim of the group exercise is to test your team work, coordination with colleagues, and how you react to a stressful situation.
Focus on your role as a part of the team and try to lead the team when possible.
5. Technical Interview
Not much preparation is required for the Technical interview. Basics of all core subjects are asked. They ask about your project work. Too any details aren’t asked and technical stuff isn’t tested in depth. Be honest and say I don’t know for answers you don’t know.
6. Strength Based Interviews
You cannot study for the strength based interview as it is simply an introspection of yourself. There is a standard set of 24 questions which are all aimed at the person’s experiences. Do read online about strength based interviews in an Investment Bank. Also research about Barclays from its website and other sources, thoroughly. Think of what you would answer to questions like ‘your biggest achievement’, ‘what would people say if I ask them your description’, ‘are you a team leader or not’, ‘what do you think about opinions’, ‘If your friend does something illegal what would you do’ etc. Support your answers with real life examples.
Read a lot about the company and whenever you interact show them that you have read about them through your statements indirectly. Barclays is very keen about its values and motto. Do mention about them and how you relate with them.
Feel free to approach me anytime: krunalmaskai@gmail.com
About the Author
