Virtual Insight Programme Review

I completed the Virtual Insight Programme (replacement for Spring Insight Programme and Women's Horizon Programme.) Had a fantastic time. Learnt a lot about a career in Global Advisory (Investment Banking) and the other areas at Rothschild & Co. Especially enjoyed the group project, as an opportunity to apply what we were learning in a more "real-world" context. Was also a fantastic way to get to know other students on the programme. Obviously the experience, would have been better in person. However, you could tell that genuine time and effort had been put into organising and planning the programme.

Everyone was very friendly, helpful and willing to give up their time. The amount of virtual interaction (especially compared to other "Virtual Spring Weeks") made you feel valued and appreciated. The "Virtual Buddy" system was helpful and gave a useful point of contact for questions. HR appeared to genuinely care about us and our wellbeing, and analysts were more than willing to jump onto seperate phone calls in the evenings/just after the programme if you had specific questions about them and their background.

As previously mentioned, "Virtual Buddy" scheme meant that if we had questions about Rothschild & Co or about our group project, we had an accessible and friendly point of contact. HR/Global Advisory employees were open and honest with questions. We had a training session on the first day, so everyone would know some of the basics. Prior knowledge, and independent research was definitely necessary in order to maximise the experience and produce a strong presentation.

My degree is unrelated to Global Advisory (which is not necessarily a bad thing!) The skills I developed through the programme, which will aid me in my degree would be "soft" skills rather than hard. Team project greatly improved my teamwork skills and communication. Additionally improved my PowerPoint skills considerably from one of my other team members, which will be helpful in my career. Fantastic interview preparation workshop on the final day, which made you feel valued and also enabled you to succeed in future interviews.

Incredibly well structured. We had a good mix between interactive "discussion-like" opportunities, and presentations. Was never bored, or felt I was just watching endless videos. There was always the opportunity to ask questions in a structured manner. Time was also in the schedule for our group project, so we felt that we had adequate time to produce a quality presentation, especially as evenings were free. Greatly appreciated receiving the group project information the Friday before the programme started, so we could prep over the weekend.

Again, obviously atmosphere would have been better in person. However, throughout the week I made a real effort to get to know and engage with my group for our team project. This genuinely helped to improve the atmosphere for me, and would recommend anyone else on the programme does the same. Rothschild & Co employees were friendly and approachable, which also improved the atmosphere of the programme during the presentations, workshops, and group "coffee chats".

Obviously as it was an insight programme not an internship, there was a limited amount you could learn about what it would be like to have a full time role due to the constraints of the programme and it not being an actual internship. Nevertheless, employees were very open and honest with us when we asked various questions about lifestyle, work, team-difference etc. Group project, to a limited extent gave us a taste of the style of work a Global Advisory analyst would complete.

Incredibly valuable. I went into the programme not 100% set on a career in Global Advisory/Investment Banking. The opportunity to speak with and genuinely connect with analysts was the most helpful. Presentations, workshops and also the culture of the firm made me want to pursue a career with the Rothschild & Co Global Advisory Division in particular. Obviously still need to complete an internship, but the programme definitely confirmed that I wanted to be interning within Global Advisory next summer.

We were not paid or reimbursed expenses. In my opinion, this is totally reasonable for a 4 day virtual programme, as all you needed was a computer with a webcam to participate and reasonable internet connection. It is worth noting, that if the event was in-person, Rothschild & Co were willing to reimburse certain travel/accommodation expenses. Though this may change in the future. Interview was in person in London (back in January 2020), and I don't believe I was reimbursed for travel for that. However, I don't think I ever asked if it was an option.

110%. From speaking to friends and participating in other "virtual spring weeks" this one was one of, if not the best. It was a really engaging 4 days, I became friends with hard-working, social and enthusiastic people. I learn a lot about the culture of Rothschild & Co and the different routes one can go down in investment banking. Finally, I felt like I produces something tangible at the end with the group project presentation.