Investment Banking and Risk Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this spring week, the activities were varied and informative. HR as well as all of the bankers I met were extremely friendly, willing to answer my questions and give honest overviews on the positives and negatives of their role. The other spring week attendees were also very friendly and the atmosphere amongst us was more collaborative than competitive.

I was made to feel welcome and valued before the spring week even began. After being accepted onto the programme both HR and the associate who I was interviewed by called to congratulate me. During the week, the bankers I met during the networking sessions were very helpful and really wanted to help me align my skills with the division best suited to me.

The week involved a group project in which each group had to carry out an analysis on a buyer company and two target companies and use this information to create a recommendation for the buyer which we had to present to a judging panel at the end of the week. As a chemistry student, I had very little financial analysis knowledge going into the spring week, this experience will undoubtedly assist me in any future banking internship/ interview I have to do,

The spring week was very well structured, I always knew where I was supposed to be and what I was supposed to be doing due to the agenda that was given to us on day one. The events flowed well so there was not much walking around from one room to another.

The atmosphere was very pleasant amongst the spring week attendees, whilst all of the attendees I met were eager and motivated they were all very friendly and willing to collaborate for the group tasks. The bankers were happy to speak to us and we were not made to feel as if we were wasting their time.

There were 2 presentational skill training sessions so by the end of the week I felt that I had developed on this skill and was able to utilise it when presenting as a part of my group project. Additionally, my group spent about 6 hours with an M&A banker who assisted us with our presentation. Having this level of assistance was extremely helpful to me given my non-conventional route into banking.

I would definitely recommend this spring week to someone who is deciding between firms to intern at. I definitely gained a good understanding of J.P.Morgan's culture throughout the week through the presentations given by the employees and through speaking with them directly during the networking sessions. J.P.Morgan has a commitment to improving the work/life balance of the employees and all of the bankers I spoke to had their own example of when the bank has supported them in this area,

The spring week is not paid but J.P.Morgan did offer lovely accommodation, all travel expenses including to and from the office everyday and there was plenty to eat and drink throughout the week. We were given lunch cards with £10 per day to spend in the canteen which I found more than sufficient. There is plenty of choice in the canteen. However, dinner was not covered and there were not many well known restaurants near the accommodation.

There were both networking sessions and social events both of which often had plenty of food and drinks and provided a nice environment in which you could get to know your peers as well as the bankers. There were social events on 3 out of 5 days and networking sessions everyday of the week. The bankers were all very friendly and gave honest overviews of their life as a banker at J.P.Morgan.

I would definitely recommend this spring week. By the end of the week you will have learnt more about the industry and the culture of the firm thus giving you an opportunity to decided whether or no t you think the industry is for you. Additionally, at the end of the spring you may be given the opportunity to be fast-tracked for the summer internship the next year.