This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
One of the aim's I had in mind before starting was to have a real contribution to the business. The fact that this was fulfilled contributed to this being an enjoyable placement.
Building on the point of making a "real contribution"; the work I did was recognised by my colleagues and used in actual day to day work. An example during my first "rotation" I built a spreadsheet was internally published and was a new avenue of research for the desk.
In terms of day to day work I did not have much interaction with the managers, but this is understandable. However when there were times to speak the managers were generally interested. I also had the opportunity to speak to different managers of different desks who facilitated further networking with employees in different departments. The "buddy scheme" that MUSI have in place, which pairs interns up with employees was very useful and my "buddies" were very supportive and I thought they were very useful.
When there were not busy times, my managers and "buddies" allowed me to go off and network with other desks and shadow them in their work which meant that I always had something to do.
The tasks I completed were all useful to the business and were not simply there just to keep me busy.
I did not come to the internship with the desire to pick up knowledge specifically for my degree. What I did learn though were useful attitudes to study. Things like research thoroughly before making a decision and always question your results.
The people were all very welcoming and this helped when networking in the bank.
I cannot fault the set up for the internship itself. The structure was ideal (2x 5 week rotations and a week of products training).
Before I started the firm sent me a book to read which basically provided a basic knowledge on the various financial products out there. In the first week there was also classroom product training which was facilitated by a very good tutor. On most week there were also "lunch and learn" sessions which were a good way to learn about other departments in the bank. The firm providing my own Bloomberg Terminal was a huge investment but a worthwhile one.
Subsidised Canteen
Company Parties/Events
MUSI seems to be a growing company. In terms of growth it is performing well against its peers.
There were intern networking drinks.
Bars outside the office tended to have "happy hours"
3 bars on the doorstep of the office.
We have activities planned, such as "end of internship bowling".
Internship (1-4 Months)
Banking/Finance, Business Intelligence
Greater London
September 2012