Summer Analyst - Equities Review

A superb internship that was very well organised by HR. Lots of activities were organised that allowed me to understand the business better (although the time spent at these probably came at the detriment of securing a Graduate role). Generally most interns were very kind and outgoing - more so than I found at investment banks.

I felt like I was able to add value on my first placement as I researched and pitched a stock that the team liked. The second placement was less successful and I felt that it wasn't a meritocracy in the slightest. Generally associates (29 or below) would be too scared to speak up during presentations. So very team dependent here.

Everyone was incredibly helpful and willing to give time to walk me through their role and what they'd learnt over the years. The most senior MDs on all teams were incredibly friendly.

I worked 7.30am-6.45pm on an average day although there were later ones and I came in on 3/9 weekends. However, I felt like the work was interesting and hopefully added value (particularly on the first desk).

We were able to sit in on meetings with company senior management and could organise calls to brokers when we wanted. We got great exposure to these people but also to more senior figures within the firm. My first desk organised a meeting with the management of the firm I'd researched which was particularly rewarding and interesting.

There were a huge number of transferrable skills that I learnt and some key takeaways that I wished I'd done differently. Whatever internship you'd get my best advice would be to ask questions (although there is such a thing as a silly question contrary to the popular saying), ensure good communication with your manager and ensure you know what your goals are - if you want to learn about the business and firm then spend more time with other departments/senior managers. If you are dead set on the job - treat it like a 10-week interview, because others will.

The office was very professional as you'd expect but being interested in sport will be particularly helpful. Very desk dependent again!

Very well - credit to HR for organising so many great events and allowing us exposure to extremely senior members of the firm and encouraging collaborative work amongst teams of interns.

Quite a lot as we had a couple of training sessions - excel for example. I believe there are training sessions and every grad trains towards attaining the CFA.

I hope to do an ACA and then return to fund management (potentially not with BlackRock though) after 3 years.

It was quite division dependent but I played football with grads and quite a few interns were keen for a few drinks after work.

I lived with a friend in Tower Bridge. London generally is very expensive but you are paid an higher wage so it evens itself out.

Good - it's London!

Loads - I ran in the JP Morgan 5.6k corporate challenge, held charity events, played 5-a-sde football to name a few.