Prinz Sindac was one of our CSR Interns in the CSR Eagles programme in 2013-2014. Prinz was placed as Finance and Governance Intern within Community Investment, at Barclays Group, and here tells us about his experience on the Eagles programme:
Tell us a bit about your background, including your education and what you wanted to do as a career:
I graduated with First Class Honours in BSc Business Management from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). Coming from a family with no background in banking or finance, I had no prior exposure to the industry. My interest in banking was sparked by watching documentaries about the recession, which delved into topics like mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and subprime loans. Understanding how these factors contributed to the collapse of major banks and led to the introduction of new regulations in the banking industry fascinated me and inspired me to pursue a career in finance.
What was the application process like and what to expect after?
The application process was smooth and well-structured, making it easy to follow:
- Completing an application form.
- Attending an assessment day.
- If successful, being placed in a candidate pool where placement companies could select candidates for interviews.
- Participating in interview preparation sessions.
- Undergoing interviews with placement companies.
- Celebrating success through a celebratory event
- Alumni reunion meal
How prepared did you feel for your placement?
I felt well-prepared, thanks to the advice I received from current and former Eagles participants—special thanks to Forid Alom for his insightful tips! I also conducted extensive research on the companies interviewing me, delving into their history (e.g., founding date, CEO, and cultural values), the specifics of the role, and even recent events and achievements. This level of preparation helped me stand out during interviews.
What support did you receive from ELBA during your placement?
The Eagles programme was incredibly comprehensive and instrumental in building my confidence:
- A CV workshop to refine my application materials.
- Excel certification training provided by Pitman, which gave me essential technical skills.
- Project management certification training, also from Pitman, to enhance my organisational abilities.
A special shoutout to Shannon Bunting, who kept me informed and supported throughout the entire process.
What support did you receive from Barclays during your placement?
I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Karen Derbyshire, my manager at Barclays, who played a pivotal role in my learning journey. She introduced me to commonly used Excel techniques like VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and COUNTIF functions, which kickstarted my career-long passion for Excel and data analysis.
Karen also encouraged me to network within the bank, which allowed me to explore divisions such as Investment Banking, Wealth Management, and other departments.
I’d also like to thank Rubina Begum and Sitara Arpin for being fantastic role models and sources of inspiration during my placement.
What has your experience as a Finance intern at Barclays been like?
My placement gave me invaluable real-world experience at a leading global bank, for which I am deeply grateful.
- I had a supportive manager who guided me through both technical skills like Excel and corporate etiquette (on email writing, introducing yourself, calling over the phone).
- This experience set the foundation for my expertise in data analysis, leading to skills in Power Query, Power BI, VBA, Python, AI, and Snowflake. If I can give one tip, learn Power BI it is a game changer!
- Beyond work, I participated in extracurricular activities like 5- and 7-a-side football, where I met amazing people from across the bank.
What advice would you give future Eagles interns?
- Be patient but proactive: It’s natural to feel overwhelmed initially, but trust the process. What seemed daunting at first—like analysing rows of data in spreadsheets—eventually became something I excelled at and enjoyed. Speed up your learning curve by leveraging online resources such as YouTube, Udemy, and Coursera.
- Prioritise your health: A healthy body fosters a sharp mind, which is essential for success in any career. Early on, consider joining a sports society, hitting the gym, or incorporating activities like running into your routine. These habits not only improve your physical well-being but also build discipline and consistency—qualities that naturally translate into better performance at work. As a qualified personal trainer, I’m happy to share tips or advice on exercises and workout routines if you ever need support!
- Embrace uncertainty: You may not have a detailed plan, but take things one step at a time. As the quote from The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse reminds us: “Can you see your next step? Just take that.” Each step will lead you closer to success.
The Lasting Impact of the Eagles Programme
The Eagles programme has been transformative for me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. A special thanks to Sally Roberts, Samsul Alom and the entire Eagles team for their dedication.
Every time I see a LinkedIn post about a new Eagle or a new cohort, it fills me with pride because I know their lives are about to change for the better.
This experience has motivated me to give back—I now actively mentor students at my university and wherever I can. To current and former Eagles: I’m proud of you, and I hope you continue to excel in your current and future roles!
