Intern Review

The insight programme was an invaluable experience and opportunity to learn more about the world of Investment Banking. From HR to the various employees within each division, people are always willing to help you with whatever you need. The flat structure really allows you to learn a great amount within such a short period of time and you also get to build great relationships with anyone and everyone; from analysts to executive directors.

From the moment you come through the doors, your fellow employees want you to get stuck in. Evidently due to regulations there may be some restrictions, especially with a 2 week time frame. However, employees are aware of this and do their best to provide you with work that they deal with on a daily basis. This can be in the form of e-courses, various reading materials, shadowing and just a general chat. The more you give, the more you'll get out of the program.

There is a buddy/ mentor system provided so if you have any questions or problems there's always at least two people there to help you if needed/asked. There are several workshops and sessions set up by HR from various employees within various divisions throughout your program, including CV workshops and interview workshops for IBD and GM. If you have any questions, employees are very responsive so don't be shy or intimidated as there aren't any reasons to be.

Analytical and problem solving skills are key attributes within this industry so it definitely does assist you in that aspect. You also have to give a presentation at the end of your program and therefore you gain those skills also. Time management and organisation are always appreciated and you definitely improve when put in a fast paced industry such as investment banking.

HR did a great job in providing us interns with our schedules before we even met our buddy and mentor. Then my buddy created more of an in depth schedule after being notified of our original schedule. Evidently, meetings can over run and people can experience cross overs but I always was informed and asked to reschedule so it should never be a problem.

Nomura are known for their great culture and structure and you do experience it first hand. The program is such a great opportunity so if you're fortunate enough to gain the experience do make the most out of it by being proactive and learning as much as you can. Naturally people will appreciate the effort you put in. Evidently people are very hardworking but you will have fun, more so if you make the most of it.

As the Women's Immersion Program is a fairly small class, the firm do invest a great amount in you. They really want to help you gain the most of the insight program by providing several workshops, panel discussions and mentoring etc. There's so much anyone can do for you, so it's really up to you to gain the most of what you can within the 2 weeks.

Experiencing the early morning commute, paired with the 10+ hour days you do learn a lot about what full time work is like. This is a good thing as you'll be able to understand the importance of time management, team work, independent work and organisation. Two week is a short time frame, however you do experience a great deal.

The company's culture is always spoken about; at career fairs, interviews, general chats but you don't really experience it until you do an internship. From meetings to phone calls, to team lunches etc. you can experience the company's culture in various forms but it's always in a positive way. The flat structure in each division really gives you an overview of what everyone does and how it contributes to not only the team but the firm as well. It can be incredibly rewarding.

Highly valuable as you're exposed to what everyone does on a daily basis. This in turn highlights to you what you're best suited for and what you would most like to do. Shadowing and attending workshops are key in gaining valuable content in order to figure out what you would like to do in the future (career wise).

You're paid for the two weeks and our reimbursed for travel expenses. International interns are even given accommodation allowances so Nomura really are there for their employees. If you need help with finding accommodation, HR are more than happy to recommend locations and specific places. They also will help you if you need any enquiries answered.

There were a wide range of opportunities when it came to meeting and networking. If you took a particular interest in the work someone did you could either go for a coffee/ meeting with them by simply e-mailing them. In addition to that, there were a few networking events, during and after your day working at the firm.

There were several networking sessions, including welcome drinks before and once the program started. It is a great place to meet many new faces who work in various divisions throughout Nomura. There also specific networking lunches for various things, e.g. mentor lunch where all mentors come for lunch with their mentees.

I got to see first hand the charitable organisations that Nomura are involved in which really sets them apart from the different firms within this industry. This included helping year 10 students learn more about the firm and then provide a business plan in order to gain money for a specific charity who they wanted to donate to. The firm also hold various functions including cake sales to raise money for Rays of Sunshine.

If you can, 100% apply. It's a great opportunity and you learn an invaluable amount within a short time frame. A great company, wonderful people and excellent exposure into the world of investment banking.