Thursday 04 June 2015 3:59 am

“Welcome to the jungle”: An email from a Barclays banker outlines the “10 commandments” for banking interns

Are you one of the thousands of students and recent graduates preparing to spend the warm summer months toiling away in offices across the capital? Here's a bit of advice from one US banker – take a spare tie to work…

That's according to Justin Kwan, a second-year analyst at the US arm of Barclays, who has, er, kindly put together a list of tips for interns who are unsure about what to expect, or how to behave.

Kwan's (rather tongue in cheek) email, entitled "Welcome to the jungle", lays out what he calls the "10 power commandments" – and advises new recruits to "live and die" by them over the course of the internship.

The list ranges from every intern's worst nightmare: "I recommend bringing a pillow to the office (yoga mat works as well. It makes sleeping under your desk a lot more comfortable, in the very likely scenario you will have to do that)."

To the downright silly: "Have a spare tie/scarf or two around. You never know when your associate will run out of napkins".

But it is interspersed with some slithers of more pragmatic advice such as "you are here with the sole goal to impress the group enough to receive a full-time [job] offer".

Barclays told the Wall Street Journal – which first published the email – that the list was "in no way authorised by Barclays. Barclays is fully committed to creating an environment where both our bankers and our business can thrive. We have implemented policies and training guidelines to enable employees to gain valuable experience while at the same time maintaining a healthy work-life balance".

However, Kwan's list was probably a greater source of amusement to his younger counterparts than his baffled bosses – as it comes at a time when banks are facing increased scrutiny over the work schedules of their younger employees.

Kwan's 10 power commandments

1. Our group dresses very conservatively. Given that it is summer, no socks is accepted and, in fact, encouraged. (Men: On your first day at the desk, it is customary to wear a bowtie and/or suspenders).

2. Remember: this is a summer internship for a full-time offer, it won't be easy. If you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen."

3. We expect you to be the last ones to leave every night … no matter what. That's what good summer analysts do. (Also getting in earlier than me would be a power move – You should enjoy your casual 9.15am arrival time this Friday, but I wouldn't get used to it).

4. During your first few weeks we ask that you direct all of your questions to Michael Lomio. Tell the other summers too, Michael is industry agnostic. If you ask me a question it will be noted.

5. Never take your jacket off at work. This is investment banking, ladies and gentleman. Other groups may be more liberal when it comes to summer dress code, unfortunately we're not.

6. You will be assigned junior "mentors", it is much appreciated if you would bring breakfast in for your respective "mentor". Some people are more particular about this than others.

7. I recommend bringing a pillow to the office (yoga mat works as well). It makes sleeping under your desk a lot more comfortable, in the very likely scenario that you have to do that.

8. You are expected to allocate at least half your seamless web order for group appetisers/snacks for the month of June. No questions asked. Once the 2nd years leave, you can enjoy for $25 allocations.

9. Have a spare tie/scarf or two around. You never know when your associate will run out of napkins.

10. When you need to leave your desk there will be a sign out sheet outside your cubes. Please fill it out including where you went and for how long. This is important come the end of your internship.