Spring Intern Review

I enjoyed it a lot. It was my first proper taste of investment banking and the exposure was insightful. Learning about the different divisions helped me to understand what I actually want to pursue as a career and doing workshops in each of them gave the Spring Week a practical element.

I felt extremely valued. Every single session it was emphasised that each employee is valued from a day one junior to the CEO. Things like internal mobility are encouraged which is rare in investment banking and show you that the firm actually care about what you want and your personal development.

I believe that I received as much guidance and support as was needed. However, since the internship is mostly self motivated, not much is required. Wherever I needed help or assistance or a question answered I anyway, employees and the people running the internship were quick to offer their services.

The skills I developed, and information I received will assist me in my degree studies in terms of applying it to certain modules that I will take on in the next stage. Any finance modules, I’ll have the initial knowledge gained from here to help me. In terms of beyond, it’ll help me with graduate applications.

Thebinsight was very well structured. A lot of information and sessions were packed into three days which was both good and bad. Good in the sense of it was condensed so no time was wasted and bad because I wish we could have done more. Two things I wanted to do was more networking and at least one shadowing session.

The atmosphere was fantastic during the insight. Everyone was warm and welcoming and friendly and made it easy to be comfortable. I believe it encompasses UBS’ culture and it was cultivated by the interns. I warmed up as each day passed and felt like I understood the day to day atmosphere by the end.

I think that in terms of personal training and development, the firm didn/t invest too much in me. The insight wasn't very training and development focused but I did learn a lot through the internal speakers (senior speakers and grads). So I guess in terms of time the firm did invest quite a lot.

The insight helped me to understand to a great extent what it would be like to have a full time role with the company. Hearing from each speaker and speaking to the grads of each division showed me how it would be like if I was to be there and picture myself working for the firm.

The insight helped me to understand the company culture massively. Almost every employee I spoke to spoke extremely highly of the firm and the culture of it, I think that gives them an edge over their competitors. Though we were restricted to one floor so I didn't get to really look around, speaking to employees helped.

The content of the day was extremely valuable in helping me to decide on my future career path. Looking at certain divisions which I had never even heard of before showed me a different career path entirely to what I had thought and has given me a new way of thinking when choosing what I want to do.

I don't think pay was appropriate as the experience was only three days and we weren't doing any real work per say but I'm happy that I will be reimbursed my expenses. Travel was rather expensive from where I live so it is good to know that I will be paid back, I just hope it doesn't take too long.

There weren't too many opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the firm. As it was only three days so the schedule was tight and there wasn't much time between sessions, there wasn't really a chance to speak to people extensively. However, the grads were friendly and were always happy to talk when possible.

There was only one formal or official networking evet opportunity and no social event opportunity. And even with that networking event it didn't go as expected. There weren't enough employees so it was about 15 interns to one employee so there wasn't that opportunity to ask more personal questions and go deeper.

I did not find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work too much. Though I spoke to employees and they spoke too highly of the culutre and the firm there wasn't much talk of axternal engagements eithing UBS. I assum there are a lot though as they seem happy.

I would 100% wholeheartedly recommend this insight to a friend. A jam-packed hectic three days but well worth it in terms of taking a deep dive into and learning about investment banking. It being general (not focused to a division) is a big bonus because then you can choose what you really like.