Investment Banking and Risk Spring Week Review

A great insight into the industry, a wealth of detailed information provided about each department in the Investment Bank. There were lots of opportunities to ask questions and throughout the week we had the opportunity to network with analysts, associates and even Managjng Directors who were all very happy to explain their jobs and answer our questions.

Everyone I met was very friendly and willing to give up their time to explain how their department worked and what they do on a day-to-day basis. They were also interested to hear about our background, what we had found interesting during the week and what area we could see ourselves working in.

The Campus Recruitment team were very helpful throughout the week, explaining all activities and making sure we knew what was happening during the day and where we had to be. Throughout the week, we had to work on a group project to present on Thursday and throughout our 7 hour preparation time, each group had a very experienced advisor who answered all of our questions about the project and gave us advice on what to focus on and what areas we could improve.

The group project developed financial analytical skills along with weighing up arguments and coming to a decision. We had a 3 hour presentation workshop from Fitch Learning which was exceptionally beneficial. The workshop was very interactive, allowing us to get feedback on our presenting skills, get some new tips and then put them into practice. The workshop was invaluable for our presentations later in the week and the skills we developed will be very useful in any future presentations.

At the beginning of the week, we were given a handbook with the schedule for each day along with other important information. Each day ran smoothly and on time, with a well balanced range of activities each day. Networking opportunities were well spaced throughout the week so that when you had a new question, you never had to wait long to have it answered.

The week was very busy- there was never a dull moment and there was a good mixture of presentations providing valuable information about departments and the industry along with interactive activities that allowed us to further our understanding. The culture at the bank, focused on integrity and challenging and developing each individual really came through during the week.

There were two presentation skills sessions which the bank brought in external companies for and so it felt like they were really investing in developing our skills. The willingness of all employees to answer our questions and the action packed programme every day showed that the bank was interested in our development.

Throughout the week, I spoke to employees from almost every department and gained an insight in a 'typical' day, most of the time there was no typical day, but everyone was very happy to talk about the general structure of their day and the kinds of roles you would be given as an analyst.

Everyone I spoke to gave a real sense of how strong the culture is at JP Morgan. The focus on the client at the centre, integrity and investment in people was evident. Developing long term relationships with clients and gaining their trust is central to the business.

I really gained a sense of the different skill sets in each department, which roles were more client facing and which had more quantative/qualitative aspects which will be valuable when considering my future career options.

Accommodation and flights were all paid for. We were also given transport cards for the week. Breakfast was provided each morning and we were given pre-paid cards for the canteen for lunch. Dinner was provided on 2 evenings and on the other two evenings we we given afternoon tea and finished earlier.

There was at least one networking opportunity every day, with the opportunity to speak to everyone from analysts to managing directors in every department. On the first evening we had a drinks receptions with food and music which was great to get to know the other Spring Week students. Another night we had a quiz which was really fun; and we each had a JP Morgan employee on our team so this was another informal opportunity to ask questions.

I couldn't have asked for anymore from the insight. There was a great balance of skills sessions, presentations, interactive activities, social and networking events. I feel I have an understanding of the role of each department and the functions of the investment banking.