Summer Analyst Review

As an intern my role has been to support the analysts and associates with their deal projects. We learnt to do basic ad hoc tasks such as transaction comps and company profiles, as well as dividend policies and research mapping. I was involved on live projects, client meetings, and communications too which gave me invaluable insights, particularly when prepping meeting materials and taking notes on calls. My day often includes shadowing analysts but also being given my own responsibility.

Coming from a humanities degree, I didn't have much exposure to financial modelling and valuation techniques. Throughout my internship, I have learnt various valuation methods and understood how to size transactions using transaction comps. Similarly, I have learnt and witnessed the day-to-day life of analysts and the communication methods used with clients. Located close to the MDs offices, the opportunity to listen to their client meetings and discussions with colleagues has been an invaluable experience.

I have been given lots of responsibility during my internship. From the first week, I was given the opportunity to work on client decks and research materials, with the analysts checking my work and giving me comments. As I progressed and was drafted onto more projects, I joined client meetings and was actively involved in discussions. This gave me the opportunity to voice my opinions but also ask questions, rather than just being given work.

The analysts in my team have been extremely supportive and helpful, from the very first day they dedicated time to explain and show me their work as well as fully explain any projects that I was drafted on. Also, all of the MDs and Directors put time aside to have coffee and meetings, offering guidance and advice. We were also allocated a buddy at the start of the summer internship who has regularly checked in.

The company culture has been very friendly, supportive, and encouraging. I have networked across teams as well as my own, and never once witnessed a negative attitude nor discrimination towards myself or other interns. In the communal areas, colleagues are respectful and friendly, and all the interns are well integrated into their respective teams. In my team, we had an equal split of females and males within the junior analyst cohort and everyone was well respected and welcomed.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my internship at the bank, although it has been a steep learning experience, the exposure to deals and clients has been excellent. The company have regularly organised events within our teams and across the intern cohort, offering support and guidance for starting in the industry. We were drafted upon live deals and given equal responsibility despite our university degrees and financial backgrounds. We also participated in a charity fundraising event that gave us the opportunity to network across the bank.

Yes

I would advise those applying to research into the banks and the cultures before applying anywhere as the cultures across the industry vary greatly. At Rothschild & Co we are very fortunate to have such an inclusive, friendly, and respectful environment despite the demands of the job. When applying, ensure you are a well-rounded individual and have a genuine interest in the job, showcase this by doing extra-curricula activities at university and aside of your studies.