Spring Intern Review

Very enjoyable Spring Insight Programme. Gained good networking opportunities ranging from analysts to MDs. Highlight of the week was a dinner event with MDs. Various panel sessions and workshops proved to be very useful, enabling us to learn various valuation methods which will prove useful for future summer internships. Overall, this was an extremely enjoyable week. Would highly recommend.

The nature of this programme meant that we were not a part of Bank of America Merrill Lynch as an employee. It was an insight programme so we came in as guests essentially. However, the employees, ranging from analysts to MDs all made every effort in order to make sure that we felt valued as the potential future of Bank of America Merrill Lynch so they ensured that we fit into the firm by providing every opportunity to build relationships with other employees.

We received a fair amount of guidance from HR when it came to our final interviews and assessment centres on the last day of the process. This was very useful. Additionally, we learned valuation techniques such as DCF, trading comparables, precedent transaction multiples, and leveraged buyouts analysis. This knowledge helped to guide and support us throughout the rest of this week, allowing us to perform to our very best. I would say the guidance and support was very good for the nature of an insight programme.

The skills we developed will be useful for when we apply for summer internship processes. We learned the valuation methods such as discount cash flow valuation, trading comparable valuation, precedent transaction multiple valuation. In addition to this, we learnt how to effectively present a stock pitch. Our soft skills were also developed as we learnt how to present effectively, as well as improve our networking skills. Perhaps these skills might not help with your career, but it will definitely help with your future career ambition.

The Spring Insight Programme was very structured. We were given a brief schedule a few weeks before the programme began and then on our first day, we were given a much more detailed programme. I would say the only downside of the programme being this structured was that it was slightly difficult to network with employees that we had developed relationships with throughout the week e.g. grab a coffee, as time was very constricted due to the nature of the structured programme.

The atmosphere was quite good. Bank of America Merrill Lynch is quite relaxed and laidback compared to other investment banks but I think that the programme still had a very competitive atmosphere to it, considering we that about one hundred of us were competing for about twenty summer internship spots. But I would say that HR definitely made an effort to make sure that we felt comfortable throughout the week and did not feel much pressure from BAML as a firm.

Quite a bit

We were definitely able to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the Bank of America Merrill Lynch as we had roundtable sessions with analysts and associates from all parts of the firm who explained to us essentially what was a 'Day in the life of...' which was an amazing opportunity to gain an unbiased view of what it would be like to have a full time role. We were able to learn both the positives and the negatives - it was pretty unbiased. I would say this is particularly useful as their are many rumours surrounding investment banking on what you actually do once you have a full time role!

The insight programme was a brilliant opportunity to understand the company culture as we were able to speak with a wide range of employees, from every division and every level from analyst to MD and even the chance to listen to senior management speak. This allowed us to make an informed decision on what we thought of the company culture. We were also able to have one on one conversations with MDs over dinner which echoes the chance to learn about the company culture.

Very useful, I now know I wish to embark on this career path as an investment banker.

Zone 1-2 travelcard reimbursement.

Absolutely loads! This was one of the highlights of the week for me.

Simply outstanding! Met analysts through to MDs.

We were able to find about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work by having networking sessions with various 'clubs' and 'networks' at Bank of America Merrill Lynch such as the Multicultural Leadership Network and Corporate Social Responsibility team. These two networks allow opportunities to take part in mentoring schemes with local schools as well as take part in environmental volunteering and lots more opportunities to contribute to the local and wider community. They also run various charity events which looked extremely fun!

I would definitely recommend this insight programme to a friend or anybody else that attends my university or wishes to gain experience at a large US investment bank. This programme not only provides a wealth of knowledge, but also looks outstanding on your CV. You are given the opportunity to also take part in the assessment centre for a summer internship at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, which is an incredible opportunity. However, even if you are not successful, having this Spring Insight Programme on your CV will do wonders for you.