Summer Analysr Review

The 10 week period was a good insight into the world of Corporate and Investment Banking, with two rotations enabling a good breadth of exposure into different teams.

Line Managers were very welcoming, and set clear objectives for the rotation, such as to give a presentation detailing the role of the team. This allowed a focussed approach to be taken, with goals and expectations set. Guidance therefore was given within this framework.

Workload varied from day to day, with some very busy and other days lacking tasks to complete. But, it is important to remember that August is renowned for being slow for deals, and so the slower days could be partially explained by low deal flow.

Responsibility, as the old adage famously states, has to be earned. Naturally, therefore, the first few weeks of rotation focussed more on learning than completing 'value-added' tasks. That said, I was given responsibility for more simple graduate's tasks, allowing them to focus on more complex activities. However, the final segments of each rotation allowed me to contribute more.

I would be hard pushed to skills learned - namely core financing concepts, Powerpoint and Excel skills - will help in my degree. This is because to succeed in a degree, a far greater academic perspective must be taken than is used in the corporate world. That said it was not the objective of the internship. Those same skills will be invaluable in my future career, for they have a formed a solid base on which to develop in graduate programmes.

An enjoyable work environment for sure. There was the perfect balance of concentrated work and well-earned breaks. Certainly one of the most redeeming features of the company.

Overall, it was well organised, with a clear structure and timetable put in place from the first week. One downside is that your rotations are only made clear to you on your first day, which may be viewed in a negative light by some candidates because of a lack of certainty.

There was a clear emphasis on training and development. The first week consisted of substantial financial training, alongside Bloomberg and Excel sessions. Also, sessions on Financial and Non-financial analysis were held that proved incredibly useful. Later in the placement, 4 sessions were delivered aimed at improving presenting skills and the process behind client pitches. This was useful.

Future employment prospects are certainly positive. The focus on training and development continues into the 18 month graduate programme. Looking even further ahead, the potential remuneration is certainly appealing; though not one of the highest paid banks, the hours required are far shorter, allowing a definite focus on a work-life balance.

This was without question. Every colleague, from graduate to managing director was incredibly welcoming. Socialising after work was a fantastic opportunity to truly build strong relationship with interns and colleagues, and proved invaluable as feeling part of the team that I was rotating in. Organised social events as well as impromptu ones.

Working in the City of London, there is naturally going to be a high cost of socialising. However, the concomitant high levels of remuneration makes it slightly more affordable.

Plenty of opportunities, form pubs to bars to clubs. London is a hub of evening entertainment.

Many clubs and societies based at work, such as football and netball.