Progression is a programme priority

24 August 2022

When interns join our summer programme, they’re immersed into Saltgate life and culture and treated like a permanent member of our team.

It’s the best way for them to gain professional experience, develop their skill set, and build a foundation to launch their career.

The next intern we’re profiling is Ben Powell – he’s an alumni intern who’s just finished his degree and is working in our CDD team.

Find out more about him below.

Where are you at in your studies?

I’ve just finished my three-year economics degree at Cardiff University. My plan is to take a year off and go traveling around Asia.

What’s your role and what are your responsibilities at Saltgate?

I’m in the client due diligence team, working on the take-on side. Thanks to my previous experience on the summer programme, I’m able to work on workflows and a bit of project work as well.

What are your hobbies or what do you do for fun?

At university I loved playing both football and rugby. My highlight had to be managing my rugby team in the final year, watching on as we won our first game. I watched the Wales national team as much as I could and loved watching the 2019 game against England live.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

Apparently, I was keen on being a coalminer. It doesn’t look like that job is going to be around for much longer, so it looks like I’ll have to think of something else.

Do you have a hidden talent?

Knowing useless facts. I can also cook a mean fajita when duty calls.

What’s your favourite part of your role?

Working within the CDD team is fantastic and everyone is helpful. I’ve interned at Saltgate before, and the re-joining process has been really smooth – it feels like I never left.

What’s been the best experience you’ve had as an intern at Saltgate?

Working with my intern group project team. It’s great sharing different ideas and approaches to our work and hopefully we’ll have a good presentation at the end of the internship to show for it.

What’s been the most surprising thing?

It’s got to be how much responsibility they entrust you with on the internship. You’re not left doing all the easy and ‘boring’ tasks that you’d expect. Instead, they really challenge you so the experience is far more rewarding.

What advice would you give a student considering an internship or work experience?

Give it a try – even if you have no experience in finance, it’s a very informative internship. At the end of it you really start to understand who Saltgate are and what they do, as well as gaining an invaluable insight into how a professional services firm operates.

What’s your favourite part of Saltgate culture?

How social and friendly everyone is. Even as an intern everyone goes out of their way to make you feel welcome.