What a 15-Week Internship in Finance Taught Me

I spent 15 weeks in the heart of Canary Wharf, trying on the world of finance like a new suit. It looked sharp, felt exciting —but let’s just say it didn’t quite fit me.

The internship rotated across different divisions: My main job - auditing parish council end-of-year reports (think spreadsheets, calls with clerks, and triple-checking everything), shadowing employees in tax and business services, and then my personal highlight: being handed a 10-week deadline to come up with a brand-new service line to generate more revenue for the firm.

This project was my sweet spot—coming up with fresh ideas and figuring out how to make them work. But then came the pitch—presenting it to a room full of partners. Public speaking? Let’s just say it’s not my favourite part of the process. The nerves kick in, and suddenly every word feels heavier than it did during practice.

The key lesson? Explaining something to a group of experts isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about showing you’ve thought it through. I stuck to the plan, relied on the work I’d done, and delivered the pitch.

The result? I won a prize for the most compelling pitch—a solid reminder that preparation and focus matter just as much as the idea itself.

But here’s what stuck with me: Big corporations aren’t as perfectly put together as they look from the outside. Sure, there are glossy skyscrapers and carefully crafted processes. But dig a little deeper, and you realise everyone’s just figuring it out as they go.

It reminded me of something I heard: "Everyone’s just winging it; some are just better at hiding it."

And honestly, that was kind of reassuring. It’s not about knowing everything—it’s about staying curious, asking the right questions, and being willing to figure it out along the way. That said, I realised something else:

The bustling Canary Wharf finance sector, with its hustle and structure, just isn’t where I see myself long-term. For me, it felt a bit like trying to play jazz in a classical orchestra—the rhythm was there, but the freedom to improvise wasn’t.

That said, I really enjoyed my time there. The people, the energy, the experience—it was invaluable. It’s a great path for people who thrive in a well-oiled machine, where success comes with clear goals, strong teams, and a sense of stability. But at this point in my life, I’m more excited by spaces where the plans are still being sketched and the next big idea is waiting to be shaped.