UBS Insights Review

I really enjoyed the insights week, in that I found the level it was pitched at was very appropriate for the stage we were at. For example there was a large proportion of us studying for degrees not related to finance and so the basics were swiftly covered during the seminars, and no question was deemed too straight forward. There was a great emphasis on interactive activities, socialising and networking and work shadowing with associates in chosen divisions, as well as preparations for the assessment centre. Furthermore the culture within UBS was very apparent and compared with other Spring Insights I'd completed, I am now certain that I wish to preferentially pursue a career with UBS.

Given the short time span of the Insights week it would be hard to expect that I would be able to contribute a lot in order to feel valued, however I felt that the members of staff organising the programme did learn my name and being given 1 on 1 work shadowing was extremely valuable to me. Also during the interactive activities we were frequently given business cards and were encouraged to send any further questions to the employees. Also if you walked past employees who you'd met previously they would say hello, even when I would not have expected them to remember me. I think the culture just came across really strongly, and I am quite sure that my week was reflective of the atmosphere within UBS.

There was so much support, from 1 on 1 work shadowing, to group sessions, interactive activities and endless Q and A. Also there was a real emphasis on giving out business cards, allowing for any follow up questions at a later stage which was great.

Perhaps more life skills, and skills for my career as opposed to specifically for my degree given that my degree is unrelated to finance, but I definitely feel more informed with regards to the ins and outs of the finance industry, and now feel confident in my decision to pursue a career in this industry. Also skills associated with completing interviews/assessment centres whether at UBS or not were developed which can only be useful.

The structure was good, given that it began with very general seminars, and gradually became more complex. The only reason that I gave a relatively low score was that work shadowing was early in the week, and we were asked for a division preference before the week began. Given that the week was supposed to provide insights into the industry, it might have been better to leave the shadowing until the end of the week, and the decision as to which division be made, once presentations from all divisions had been given.

Really great, it was busy and engaging with lots of emphasis on interactive activities. We were encouraged to ask questions and it was very supportive. All the other people on the programme were lovely too, and we now have a Facebook group in which we regularly keep in contact with one another. I definitely could not recommend a programme more - I had such a great week and now feel really fired up to pursue a career in finance.

Very well, in that we were given an afternoon of work shadowing, however given of level of education/employment we were unable to actually help with the projects that they were completing. Also one of my biggest concerns in finance is the hours worked, and the programme didn't give an impression of how this is in practice, given that the days were very 9-5.

Pretty much every seminar and activity highlighted the importance of the culture, with even those on the trading desks indicating that UBS is a people business. The culture seems genuine and collaborative, with divisional integration and flexibility. Also it seems very accommodation towards career development providing opportunities for travel and further learning through the UBS university. Also emphasis placed on the community, CSR and volunteering appeal to me and do seem to be taken seriously within the firm.

I study at university in London and so stayed in my flat here and due to living within the M25 did not qualify for any expenses. Others not in this position were given hotel accommodation and travel expenses to London. Also we were given (very good) breakfasts and lunches as well as a social activity on the first evening. To be honest I would not have been expecting to have been paid, given that UBS was laying on a lot for us over the week, and I was gaining masses whilst contributing nothing to their bottom line.

There were 2 main events - a socialising event in a local bar for the people on the programme on the first evening, and a networking Lunch on the Tuesday with associates from our chosen divisions. The socialising event was very informal and great in terms of getting to know one another with no pressure in a very laid back environment. The networking lunch was interesting however difficult given that we were standing up, talking and eating food such as burgers which were near on impossible to eat whilst talking and so provided logistical challenges, meaning that all of us - employees of on the programme, were finding it quite hilarious and not perhaps having the conversations we should have been.

100%. Such a great programme, whether you are certain you want to work in finance or not, in UBS or not , or in a London division or not. Very thorough and met some great people who I am sure I will come across again in a career in finance. Also fantastic to get a shoe in at this stage in my university career as there seems to be an emphasis on employing people who have come through the channel of the spring week and then subsequently summer internship. Lastly you don't have to resubmit an application for the summer internship as you are fasttracked to the AC, which can only be a good thing giving increasing time pressures in the 2nd/3rd years at university.