Summer Intern Review

The work environment was much pleasant and the learnning curve very steep. The two day training marked me being helpful together with loads of learning materials. Events such as speaker series where you get to know more about other divisions - not necessarily where you are interning - were informative whereas Analyst Challenge was more of a fun day. In the end, there was a right balance of work, learning and fun which made it all enjoyable.

I was considered more of a team member rather than an intern. I attended important meetings, took part in discussions and my comments were always most welcomed. Actually I did question some procedures and propose some improvements to business models, a project which I eventually undertook. I was impressed the importance that were given to my initiatives and ideas and the speed with which it was executed.

I was constantly being supported throughout my internship. Although being very busy, they did spare some time for me. The flat organisation means you interacting to senior managements on a daily basis. Even in the different activities, my managers always backed me in terms of ideas and work initiatives. I was told if ever I wanted to discuss anything with some senior people, please feel free to ask. This pushed me to talk to seniors about some hot banking topics. The attitude towards intern is unique allowing me to make the most of the eight weeks.

There was some daily tasks and deadlines to be met. It depended on the trading day : there was some good days whereas others were more nasty. In between, I was involved in projects and helping out my team where I could. In quiet periods, there was loads of online learning material to benefit. Basically, the programs was designed such that we are always kept busy and make the most of our opportunity

Personally I was given much more responsibilty than I would expect, having to prepare crucial reports for top managers and even the Chief Executives. At the beginning I was being supervised but then the reports was sent directly, which is quite a big responsiblity and I made sure double checking everything before sending the emails out.

My experience at RBCCM definitely has improved my various skills and benefited in terms of exposure, maturity of thoughts and experience.

It was a very friendly atmosphere. In fact everyday colleagues share ice-creams, doughnuts and other pastries. Besides the intense work pressure, there is always some time off for some conversations or to crack some jokes, making it a pleasant work environment.

I must say that the internship was well organised, making sure interns get a feel of investment banks as a whole and ensure they get as many rotations for them to know the different areas.

We had a full two-day's training together with a visit at the London Metal Stock Exchange - a must go place for all those interested in banking. Besides, we had some talks with MDs and was provided with much of learning materials online.

It's all about the people and the environment which makes it a desirable place to work.

Yeah, we organised drinks, evening parties and dinners. We also wnet for lunch together when our time coincided...

The cost of living was reasonable, a bit higher than expeced because we were interning during the olympic periods and accommodation was quite busy.

There were some nice pubs and a couple of nightclubs. Personally, I liked the tasty food variety and different restaurants I tried everyday.

Of course! Since I do not study in London, I found enough time to visit many the capital, enjoy the olympics and hang out with friends.