Fixed Income Sales Review

Thoroughly enjoyable - the nature of financial markets (especially in these uncertain times) means that every day was a new and unique experience. Prior to starting you build up an idea of what the dealing room environment would be like so it was very pleasing that it surpassed all expectations. I had also long felt that I would enjoy and add value to a role in sales, again satisfying to know that the roles requirements and responsibilities are in line with what I expected.

The amount of time that the team spent with me on an individual basis was fantastic and really surprised me. As an intern you are always aware of your relative importance but each member of the team spent a significant amount of time explaining key concepts to me. Really epitomised the flat hierarchy structure of the company. The desk were also very generous in extending time outside of office hours including on the football pitch and in the bar with drinks on my last day.

Support structure was excellent. Line manager was a MD but was also provided with a 'buddy' to help with settling in and to answer any questions. Both gave honest and constructive advice on mid and final appraisals. Campus recruitment were also very supportive and ran weekly ‘drop in sessions’ for interns as well as being available for one on one meetings to answer any queries you may have.

Very busy by my own volition - with only 6 weeks it was imperative to make the most of every day. I was given a list of tasks to complete on each desk (trade ideas/written projects etc.), which could be comfortably completed with the length of the internship. I spent the rest of the time attempting to go over and above the specified requirements, finding myself more work and assimilating with the team as much as possible.

Tasks varied in responsibly from useful from the teams perspective i.e. compiling morning and evening wraps to ones that were more important to the team (surveying the team for trends/client focuses to be presented in the weekly cross desk meeting). However, being a novice (with learned clients a rookie can be very dangerous in sales!) and without FSA registration client facing activity (where 'real value' can be added) was naturally not feasible.

Practically, technical knowledge picked up during the internship - although very beneficial for those who will enter the industry full time - would only prove useful to those on the most granular of financial degrees. However, exposure to a pre-eminent investment bank is an invaluable life experience that cannot be bought.

Very varied as can be expected from a busy trading floor in a world-class institution. Fairly relaxed at some points, somewhat frenetic at other times (market open/headline news announcement etc.) Always enjoyable though – loved the ‘buzz’.

Very well organised indeed. Formalised feedback process via mid and end appraisals were very useful in knowing how you were doing. Thorough training beforehand and myriad networking and social events throughout were also well received. Always got the impression that campus recruitment were doing everything they could behind the scenes to maximise your chances of getting an offer.

There was a weekend of training before the first day - my understanding is that this usually runs for a week but was shortened in line with the condensed internship due to the Olympics. Even with just a weekend there was a mix of hard and soft skill training with an overview of the fundamentals of each asset class. On the job training was a daily occurrence on the floor.

Was fortunate enough to be offered a full time position with the company. Absolutely delighted naturally. Although a difficult summer for the company - I have no doubt it will continue to go from strength to strength in the long term.

Yes, lots of inter intern threads about drinks after work floating around. Generally very amicable relationship between interns as well, which isn't always the case with interns vying for the same positions - made some good friends.

Lived at home with parents so cost of living not an issue for me. Canary Wharf offers a plethora of restaurants and bars - accompanied by Canary Wharf prices of course.

Lots of bars by the river for an after work tipple. No clubs to my knowledge but lots within easy travelling distance.

There was lots of out of hours panel events with different service lines and colleagues who had been through the graduate scheme in past years. There was also a teamwork afternoon with events including bouncy castle volleyball and human table football (both are exactly what they sound like!) and lots of great food and drink as well as a volunteering afternoon organised and an end of internship event.