Technology Spring Insight Intern Review

I really enjoyed the insight programme - in fact it was much better than my expectations. This is for the following reasons: I learnt a lot - both about the technology and finance sector, and I got a chance to build my networking and communication skills. Although I found the three days extremely hectic, I felt that it was well worth it!

I appreciated the fact that the spring insight interns were made to feel important - both by the group project we were given, which was a real life scenario and by the fact that we had multiple networking sessions. I met many people from the technology department at Morgan Stanley, and they all took time out to talk to us, answer our questions and advise us.

The insight was extremely well planned, and the HR team were always available to answer our questions. In terms of technical guidance, we had several information sessions and moreover, we had a mentor for the technical group project. Although the first day was quite overwhelming, everyone was really supportive and understanding.

Firstly, I found the technical skills extremely useful - although more from an interview point of view than an exam. I thought that the programming and problem solving skills that I learnt will definitely help solidify my existing knowledge. Moreover, the communication, networking and presentation skills that I learnt are sure to serve me well in the future.

The insight was extremely well structured and planned. We received a schedule for the three days of the insight on day 1 itself and there was adequately and proportionately allocated time for networking, work shadowing, skills development and a technical group project. Although the three days were extremely busy, it was worth it as we accomplished a lot!

I was impressed and pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere. I had assumed that working in an investment bank would be stressful but as far as the technology division goes, everyone seemed really happy and friendly. All the people I networked with were extremely welcoming and were excited about their projects and current roles.

The firm provided us with three separate skills development and personal training - programming, logical thinking and presentation skills. All of these were extremely valuable and well delivered. Moreover, we had multiple networking opportunities which I viewed as a form of personal training because not only did I get a chance to improve and practise my networking skills, but I also met people at the firm and made some new contacts.

I thought that the work shadowing I did during the insight programme was useful in helping me understand the different departments and roles in the firm. Moreover, the group project that we did was a real life scenario which was also very useful. However, since the insight was only 3 days, I guess that it was in some ways difficult to build a complete picture, though this was to be expected.

I learnt quite a bit about the company culture - including their values and their priorities. A lot of the people I met told me about their volunteering which showed me that giving back was indeed important for the firm. We also were given a talk about the company, its organisation and its culture.

As it was only 3 days, I would say that it would be unfair to expect the insight to completely decide my future career path. However, it did help me figure out whether or not I think working in an investment bank would be fun and whether this was a viable career option for me.

We were given a travel expense reimbursement form at the end of the programme. I haven't been reimbursed yet, although I didn't fill out the form too long ago. Moreover, we were given a lunch allowance for all the days of the insight.

The networking opportunities at the insight programme were plenty! I networked with many people from the technology division at the firm, and even had dinner with some of them. Moreover, we met managing and executive directors as well which was a great opportunity. I also met employees of the firm through the work shadowing.

The networking/social opportunities were great - we had breakfast, lunch and dinner with people from the firm on separate occasions throughout the programme.

Yes, I was really impressed with all the volunteering activities that employees of the firm were involved in - it seemed to be an important part of their culture - which I really appreciate.

I would definitely recommend this insight programme to a friend - I learnt a lot and had an amazing time. I was impressed with the planning and organisation that had gone into this insight! Moreover, we also had a conversion assessment centre on day 4 for a summer internship which was a great opportunity.