Equities Review

The BlackRock insight week was extremely enjoyable. They made a real effort to show you the reality of the job and the different positions available in an asset management firm. Not only did they pair you up with a buddy and offer the opportunity to attend daily meetings/shadowing etc, they arranged various employees of all levels from analysts, to product strategists to portfolio managers to host workshops and informal breakfast/lunch meetings to really delve into their world and see the skills required.

Everyone is very friendly and willing to help regardless of their seniority. This is supported by how the arrange their offices, you have analysts sat next to VPs. Everyone also seems to know everyone on the floor, so if they couldn't answer my question they would always know of someone able to. They made a real effort to make sure we felt welcome and comfortable enough to ask questions.

Received a lot of guidance. Had a buddy, guidance from other analysts and associates who I had met through various workshops or lunch. Very supportive environment.

They have shown me how to make use of 12 hour days, I didn't realise how productive you can be during a day. I've also welcomed the early morning starts which are allowing me to fit more in a day.

Very well structured week. Lots of meetings/workshops/networking breakfasts and lunches. Also scheduled in time to prepare for our project pitches which took place on the last day.

Nice, friendly, supportive atmosphere. BlackRock seem to go for clever, kind, down-to-earth people because the atmosphere was one of calm even though there are lots of things going on everyone seemed to keep their cool. The HR team made a real effort to make sure the interns mingled by organising a group lunch, afternoon tea, quiz night on the Tuesday evening and a farewell afternoon tea on the Friday.

They gave investment process workshop, basic valuation techniques workshop and others to help train you into the role of analyst. Also during the week, we had one-to-one sessions with the recruiter to see how we were getting on and if we were benefiting from the program.

Everyone was extremely honest about their roles and what they entailed. This honesty really helped because now I know what would be expected from me if I was to work as an analyst for the company.

Being in the offices really enabled me to understand the culture. The desk rotations helped me compare the cultures between the teams. Very helpful.

Very helpful, although there was a lot of content to absorb, it allowed me to see what I would be doing if I chose it as a career.

I live in London so they reimbursed the cost of a 1-week travel card. I know of some other interns have help towards hotel costs and being fully reimbursed for train tickets. Also there was plenty of food, so no need to spend money on breakfasts or lunch (although there is a costa and starbucks right outside the building if you so desired).

There were formal networking opportunities but they made it clear and easy to approach anyone in the firm and introduce yourself. I was given a few business cards along the way.

Interns quiz night. Networking lunch and afternoon tea. Women's networking breakfast with other female employees of all levels. Networking breakfast with portfolio managers, networking lunch with portfolio managers. Plenty of networking opportunities.

Yes, heard about the different forums they have for women and diversity within the work place. Employees also seemed to have a life outside of work spending time with family and hobbies such as running and swimming. Lots seemed to socialise with friends also.

Yes without a doubt if they are interested in Investment management or technology BlackRock is the place to be.