High Yield Participant Review

Thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many different employees and learning from some of the brightest minds. Incredible support but during the residential experience and online. Invaluable assistance in growing confidence and realising what firms look for and what is expected from a student wishing to break into the financial sector. Being able to see the financial district in London was an incredible experience that I won't forget soon.

Everyone on my scheme in High Yield was welcoming, friendly and hilarious. With all of us being from a lower socio-economic background we had instant connections and understanding of one another that really helped us to achieve what we wanted from the scheme. Not only were the fellow students welcoming, but so were all of the staff and recruitment individuals.

The individuals from the recruitment scheme and the Bank both dedicated a lot of work and effort towards giving us the best time possible. Whether this was from advice to practical support, dedication and passion was evident in everything they did for us. Anyone who has the chance to interact with them is truly lucky.

It varied. Whether it was preparing for a presentation in a limited amount of time or having a leisurely chat with representatives from the Bank, the business depended on the structure of that particular day. However, there was always an opportunity to do more if asked for, both online and in person.

There wasn't much responsibility in terms of work given. However, responsibility in terms of confidentiality and keeping up to date with commercial awareness was a must. Due to the nature of the programme, I believe the amount of responsibility given was acceptable due to our junior level. The responsibility was much aimed at our own independent activities more than anything else.

The skills that I developed were incredible in the amount of time we had. As an individual who struggles with mental health, the confidence that I developed during the programme was incredible and something that I will always be thankful for due to their fantastic coaching and support.

The atmosphere in the offices we attended was unlike anything I had ever thought of within a busy bank. Unlike the movies, there wasn't shouting to other tables. In fact, it was rather quiet and orderly for the majority of the time. But when spoken to, the office came alight with hearty conversations.

Overall the programme had a good organisation. Although I would have preferred more contact when out of residential hours, I understand the reality of what could be offered. During the stay at the London office, the organisation was smooth and orderly, with little to no delays whatsoever.

Both the recruitment agency and bank invested an incredible amount of time and resources in us to allow us to thrive in the time that we had with them. Not only did they set us up with invaluable experiences and skills that we can use in life every day, but professionally the development was great.

Due to the successful completion of the programme, participants are fast-tracked to the Assessment Centre. Before this, we are given training and assistance in preparation for it including mock interviews (both by the recruiters and bankers) and tested on our commercial awareness. Overall this programme has spurned me onto applying to the bank in the future.

All of the students were very friendly. During the residential aspect, I and another student met up on the nights to go for food at a restaurant. During the day we all met up for lunch as we were encouraged to network as much as possible. However, we had a group chat which kept us socialising with one another.

London is always going to be more expensive than where I'm from (the North). However, we were given reimbursements for our travel and accommodation costs which made it a lot easier to enjoy our time there. Food was subsidised in the Bank's canteens. For getting food for dinner, it depends on where you go.

I went out with one student for a couple of nights to get food. Those nights we went out were bustling with people and music. However, it depends on what you enjoy. Myself, I prefer staying in. However, for those who enjoy lively atmospheres, London could definitely be for you.

Online we were given a lot of opportunities to get involved with the recruitment agency and kept up to date with initiatives useful to ourselves. Whether it be interview assistance, commercial awareness or networking events, there was a range of activities offered. Access to their skills and recommendations were the most valuable.