intern Review

Greatly. Can't believe it has already come to end! You may feel 2 weeks is long but once you begin and you start learning time has a way of flying before your eyes!

You do get given responsibilities and things are expected from you. If you can produce something to help your team e.g. small computer programmes (using VBA) or PowerPoint slides or something, you are helping them and doing something useful!

Lots. My manager was very, very helpful and kept checking in with me. Also, I was given access to people that I could contact via email, phone and video conference to ask questions when I got stuck.

MAJORLY. I have had no previous experience in an investment bank and not only have I learnt so much about it (from asking many silly questions!) but I've learnt practical examples of concepts I have learnt during my maths degree and also there are many workshops, for example a CV workshop which will help me with future internship applications and job applications.

Very well. You have paper timetables given by HR and also an electronic diary which is handy when you want to meet other people from around the firm as you can plug it into your diary, so it works out very well and you always know what you need to be doing and where you need to be. Remember to keep an eye on your emails however, because if you don't then you will miss appointments!

Very professional but everyone at Nomura is very warm and will be willing to help if you want to ask them questions.

Lots of time. You are allocated a team and you are the only intern with them so you have their full attention. Also, in the talks there are those few minutes when you are being individually checked e.g. when your CV is checked as well as when you take guidance from the whole group.

very much. when you are around working people you can ask them and see how their daily life goes about, particularly when you find out they have been in that role for 10 years! personally, I have never sat at a desk before at any of my previous vocations and it is something new and makes you realise how bankers feel all day! heads up - will likely give you a headache for the first few days!!

definitely. you are in the situation and you can pick that up from others simply from standing in the same lifts (elevator) as them. you can pick up a lot from seeing how people talk to one another and the food that they eat!! the culture in investment banks in London in general is quite highly sought after by some and I am one of them!

Very much so. I chose to come into risk and see what it would be like to learn, and I am leaving with a definite idea in my head of "This is what I want to do". being in the bank you also actually get a glimpse of the unbelievable number for roles and job titles that exist, many of them almost seeming made up because of the sheer volume.

You are paid and you should understand that you are being paid because you are being asked to do a job! there are responsibilities that you will have and particularly if the role was competitive then things will be expected of you! you did well to receive an offer for a placement so be proud and confident and show the firm why they should keep you!

Lots. Up to you to really take advantage of them, however.

my main tip/advice would be to try and being as smiley, professional and helpful/listening as best you can, as possible. these are the things people want to see from you and HR will be helpful in telling you what competencies they are looking for. do your best to meet these competencies if you really WANT the placement.

not really specifically, but I know Nomura offers a lot of volunteering opportunites.

YES! there are many different opportunities that nomura offer (week, couple of days, 2 weeks) and the people here are just so friendly I feel that you would not want to miss out. I understand people apply to 50 placements a year for their summer/spring internship but I feel there is something different with this one. also, this is the women's immersion programme, so there is a girl power element to it and there is a sense of pride that comes along with it.