Spring into Banking Intern Review

Very informative, excellent handling of the unprecedented limitations of having to do online only. Group activities provided were fun. Would have wished to have been able to have the full experience, in person, however since this was not possible online only was fine, and I believe delivered the valuable information about working at DB that the program aims to pass on to its participants. Talks were varied and interesting, did not feel bored at all.

The fact that DB goes through all the trouble to provide this program shows that they truly value and respect their recruitment base of undergraduates. In return undergrads will respect the company more and, as we feel valued, will want to pursue full time employment there. Especially during lock down, when the easy solution would have been do cancel it altogether, they quickly revamped the entire program, showing how much they value its pivotal importance.

Each speaker went into great detail about their department, thus allowing the participants to get a comprehensive idea of what it is like to work in said department. Notably, there was a large emphasis on technology, which is often lacking in other programs (overshadowed by the investment banking aspects, this did not happen in this case at all). There was also plenty of information given about the company in general, its history, and the work culture.

Unfortunately due to the program having been relegated to being online only, there was very little interactivity and therefore very little skill development. However that, I believe, is not the aim of the spring week. Rather, it is more meant to inform us and give us a realistic view of what working in various positions at Deustche Bank is like, and in that I believe it succeeded. It is however information that is not, strictly, degree relevant.

The insight was very well structured, with clear categories for every important department / division. It began with a general overview of the company itself and the culture there, and how the departments are split up and what each one does. Then they went into more detail, as to how each of the aforementioned divisions is structured and what everyone who is part of them does on a day to day basis. Overall very well structured and concise.

The atmosphere was cordial and friendly. It made it evident that Deutsche Bank clearly strives to get the best regardless of background, and that they do their best to be helpful even during these difficult times. Every one of the speakers was helpful and informative, and seemed to genuinely enjoy talking to us about their profession. Overall a fantastic atmosphere. The entire time it felt cheerful and amicable, and fantastic and great and did I say cordial?

As the spring program is a precursor to the summer internship, I feel a great deal of time and effort being invested into recruits to ensure not only that those recruited are the best, but also that they are on the right career path for them. The spring program allows a far more comprehensive understanding of what each role is actually like, and thus there are no surprises later on when it is harder to change course.

The speakers, quizzes and presentations all contributed to us having a comprehensive view of what working in each department is like, what that department does, what its various sub divisions do and so on. The presentations went in to great detail and did not just use platitudes and sweeping statements, but gave us detailed day to day accounts of what each speaker does in their department and what the future prospects are for someone working there.

Aside from the speakers from individual departments, a great amount of time was dedicated to discussing the company in general and this gave us a great idea of what the culture there is like. We got to hear from professionals who have worked many years at the bank, and they did not only talk about their specific job but also about what it is like to work there in general, their colleagues, and so on.

Every single presentation and speaker helped us form a comprehensive view of what it is like to work at their respective department or division. Overall the insight gave us a comprehensive view of what it is like to work at the bank, not just in general but on a detailed day to day basis. This is incredibly valuable, even for those who think they know for sure what career they want to follow, as it helps us make an informed decision

The staff at Deutsche Bank were extremely generous and helpful. Even though the spring program had to be greatly shortened and relegated to being only online due to COVID, we still received payment and, for those such as myself who had already booked travel to London to attend in person before it was cancelled, our costs were fully reimbursed. Similarly, had we attended in person, accommodation at a nice hotel had been generously arranged by the company.

I absolutely would recommend this insight week to any friend who is looking to work at a bank or Deutsche Bank specifically, whether they know which track they want to follow or not. If they do, it provides them with valuable information on what they might actually be doing day to day, and if they do not, it gives a comprehensive view of all the various career tracks and departments so they can go on to make an informed choice.