Insight Program Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the Nomura First Step Insight Program. It was great to be able to get a feel for what it is like at the bank and listen to the advice of the Nomura employees. The graduate recruitment team were great all day, and I also found it of great help to be able to ask all the questions I had during the Q&A and networking sessions. I also enjoyed meeting other A level students with similar career goals and interests.

The graduate team were very welcoming and made me feel valued throughout the day. They began by congratulating us all on being selected for the program, and were always happy to answer any questions. Some of the employees also took the time to have lunch with us as part of the networking session. This added to the experience as it was great to spend time with recent graduates who were able to give advice on things that I will probably experience over the next few years. The fact that there were only 32 students selected for the event also made me feel more valued and made the day feel like a genuine insight into what it is like at Nomura.

I received guidance throughout the day at Nomura. The Q&A and networking sessions were very helpful. Employees gave us guidance on areas such as how to network, how to make the most of our time at university, and it was especially helpful to receive guidance from the graduate recruitment team on how to successfully apply for internships and jobs in the financial sector.

The insight day was an extremely beneficial experience. The information I received throughout the program was fantastic, and has helped me to get a better feel for what it is like to work in the banking industry and what is required to be successful. The activities helped me to improve a number of skills. The CV session enabled me to understand what will impress employers, whilst the group activity at the end of the day developed my team working skills and was great preparation for any recruitment days I may have to attend in the future.

The insight was very well structured. There was a set program that we followed all day. I was given a Nomura pack at the start of the day with timetable included so that I knew what to expect. I found all of the activities useful, and the day was structured so that there was always time for any questions.

The graduate recruitment team ensured that there was a fun atmosphere during all of the activities. All of the employees at the bank were very friendly, and it felt like everyone really enjoyed working at Nomura, which made the overall experience very enjoyable. I felt comfortable asking any questions and so I found the day very insightful.

Due to the fact that the program was only a day long, it was more about getting an insight into what it's like to work at Nomura and speaking to employees to receive advice on processes I will have to go through over the next few years. Therefore we didn't spend much time developing specific skills and personal training. However the group activity session, for example, did help develop team working skills to a certain extent.

The Q&A sessions with the panel of employees on the graduate programs was very helpful in helping me to understand what it is like to have a full time role at Nomura. They explained what is expected of them in their roles and the responsibilities they have, as well as walk us through a typical day at Nomura.

The insight gave me the feeling that there is a very friendly culture at Nomura. All of the employees were very positive when describing the atmosphere at the bank and it has definitely encouraged me to apply for the Spring Week Nomura offer next year. It was clear from the employees that the bank has really good values, such as a healthy work-life balance, and they all mentioned how the culture is not aggressive like the stereotypical investment banks.

The content of the day definitely helped to confirm that I would enjoy a career in the financial sector. It didn't help to identify the specific role that I wish to pursue, however this is because I was encouraged by employees to have an open mind and not to be set on a specific role yet as I may find I'd be better suited to another area within the bank in the future.

Nomura reimbursed travel expenses.

Yes, there were many opportunities for networking.

The networking activities were very helpful.

Yes, one of the employees mentioned that there are team sports that workers can get involved in.

Yes, it was an extremely beneficial day.