Technology Spring Insight Review

This technology division spring week programme was really meaningful and insightful. Multiple coding challenges were presented to us to tackle in groups, and a big number of socials / networking events took place as well. Work shadowing was also involved in this event, which exposed us to the way interns and employees work in the firm too.

The firm accommodated us with a big number of commodities, which included lots of meals and drinks to keep us going throughout the event. We were treated respectfully at all times, even more so by the seniors, with whom we interacted through networking lunch events. All employees who showed us around were extremely nice too.

Instructions were always given to us in good detail, so that all of us knew what we were doing, regardless of not knowing anyone else, initially. On top of guidance and support for the insight itself, we received valuable guidance with regard to applying for the actual internship for the following summer, which I intend to do too. The application process got cleared up well.

I'd say it was more my studies assisting me throughout the insight programme itself. However, the skills that I did develop during the programmme are more related to employability, inter-personal and communication skills. Mostly, I learned to work in multiple teams consisting of people I'd never meet before, which is something that I will definitely value in both my studies and career.

Very well structured; it was a 3-day event, and time windows were slotted for all three days, which were adhere to and we never went over-time. Those time windows included extremely valuable activities, presentations and challenges on top of learning how the general work experience is. Breaks were also well-allocated.

Extremely friendly; members of staff were very helpful and supported and encouraged us to work in teams well, while always having fun too. Generally, not only was this event challenging and rewarding in terms of work, but it was also fun and enjoyable to the potential future interns for the firm.

For each of the coding challenges, each group was assigned to a mentor who is a current employee under the tech division in the firm. These people were all volunteers to this programme, and they helped us develop our group working and coding skills too, while continuously giving us feedback on these.

The firm allocated two work shadowing time slots to divide us in small groups of 2 or 3. We were then taken to the floors where the employees work, showcasing what the work environment is like. The employees were recent graduates and interns too, which allowed them to understand our curiosity to a greater extent.

Very much so. Being a bank, a stereotype would be that of a stressful banker with a boring job, but turns out the culture of JPMorgan is exactly the opposite. All divisions work with each other in harmony; there is a lot of communication within the tech division (to which I gained exposure) and it is always challenging and extremely rewarding to see how the developed products are in use by other teams.

I had already settled on the idea that I may work for a bank within the technology division once I graduate. After this event, this idea has now been secured in my mind. We were all given good exposure as to how it is like to work as an intern or a grad in the firm, and appealed to me a lot.

I did not get paid or get reimbursed, but that is because I already live in the city that the event took place. Other people were fully paid for their accommodation in a hotel and all traveling expenses were covered by JPMorgan too. On top of that, meals throughout the day were also covered.

There was an abundance of networking lunches and other related events. Some of them showcased the products developed by the technology department of the firm, while others allowed more interpersonal communication with employees (seniors too), who gave us good insight with regard to their path in the firm and what they think about it.

As said above, networking and social events were merged together. In the first day we were taken for a social event in a bar to play darts with the rest of the undergraduates, but also with employees of the firm. The networking events were in general meaningful and very friendly too.

Yes, we asked some graduates that work in the firm with regard to how many opportunities for socialising there are and we were told that JPMorgan hosts a big number of them, and it's up to each employee to join or not join. From what we understood, there is a place for everyone even outside the workplace.

Definitely. Regardless of your background from university or even before, JPMorgan has a place for everyone and values transferable skills to a massive extent. If you have an interest in technology (or any other department, for that matter), I'd recommend you apply to this insight to gain more exposure on it.