Lately, I’ve seen many junior students on forums looking for internships. Since I interned at Santander Bank’s Madrid headquarters for a while last year, I thought I’d share my experience to help anyone who might find it useful.
The Internship Application Process
Santander primarily posts its internship positions on its official recruitment website, so be sure to keep an eye on the “Careers” or “Talent” sections. I applied for a program called “Santander Start,” which is specifically for current students and recent graduates. The process wasn’t too complicated: Online Application -> Online Assessment -> Video Interview with HR -> Interview with the Department Head.
Some Quick Tips
The online assessment mainly consists of personality tests and logical reasoning questions. I recommend finding some practice questions online beforehand to get familiar with the format. During the interview, besides the usual self-introduction and explaining why you chose Santander, it’s crucial to demonstrate your passion for and knowledge of the financial industry and Santander Bank. I was asked about my opinion on the current Spanish economic situation, and luckily, I had done some research. Also, fluency in Spanish is a mandatory requirement, while good English is a plus.
Job Responsibilities and Experience
I was in the Corporate Finance department. My daily tasks involved assisting full-time employees with basic data organization, industry research reports on topics like Santander Bank’s profits, and creating PowerPoint presentations. It might sound a bit tedious, but you actually learn a lot. My colleagues were very professional and always willing to teach newcomers, making the atmosphere more relaxed than I expected. There was some overtime, but it was generally within a reasonable range and not excessive. The biggest takeaway from this internship was gaining a direct understanding of how the banking industry actually works, it was no longer just theory from a textbook.
Overall, the internship experience at Santander was excellent. For students who want to enter the financial sector in Spain, it’s definitely a prestigious addition to your resume. I’ve put together a simple list of pros and cons about interning at [Santander Bank] for your reference:
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
|---|
| Prestigious resume item, big company name | Highly competitive application process |
| Abundant internal training resources | Some tasks can be quite basic |
| Good salary for an internship | Very high language proficiency required |
| Exposure to real business operations | Potential for overtime pressure |
I wish you all the best in finding your desired internships! ¡Mucha suerte a todos!
