Spring Into Operations Review

The programme was my first substantive taste of Operations. I enjoyed the programme schedule and J.P. Morgan scheduled the course really well. It was packed full of information on our industry but there was also enough like tours of the site to enrich our overall experience.

Everyone was respected and made to feel valued during the week and this treatment seemed a priority of the bank's. From the inside the company felt less like a large corporate body and more like a close-knit community.

There was a great deal of guidance and support throughout. The programme organisers were present at all times on site and were more than happy to answer any question. Beyond that, all employees were approachable and willing to talk to us; I felt like I was already part of the firm.

I developed my communication, presentation, teamwork, decision making and analytical skills during the programme and these will definitely have a positive impact on my degree studies. The information I received will unlikely directly affect my studies but has provided a solid grounding for future internships and graduate roles in banking.

The insight week was superbly structured: the programme organisers managed the time available extremely well and succeeded in delivering a rounded insight into the bank. Events overran once or twice but on the whole each day went to plan. I appreciate that the week's smooth run probably didn't happen by chance!

At the hotel the atmosphere was similar to that of freshers' week at university. On site everyone was keen to learn about Operations but also to enjoy themselves. There was a strong sense of enthusiasm and everyone worked well in their respective groups. This was due in large part to the enthusiasm and commitment of the speakers and programme organisers.

I felt the company invested considerable time into personal training and development.

The insight went a long way toward explaining what a full time role would involve because of a work shadowing session and presentations from employees within the division. We were provided with specific examples of daily duties from several different members of the Ops team, building a good sense of the division's functions as a whole.

The insight programme helped me understand the company culture primarily through interactions with a wide range of employees. There were presentations on how the bank conducts its business, its core values and what the firm looks for in employees but talking with members of the Ops team personified this culture.

Although the event was focused on Operations my understanding of the financial services industry was enhanced as well. By attending the programme I hoped my interest in the industry and future career path would be confirmed. Because the programme's level of detail and style of presentation this was absolutely satisfied.

I was reimbursed for rail travel to and from Bournemouth. We were put up in a hotel by the beach for the week and buses took us to the site and back every day. Breakfast was included with the accommodation. Lunch was provided on site every day and dinner was provided on a couple occasions.

There were several networking opportunities scheduled by the J.P. Morgan. Some were over drinks and others over meals.

The networking events were useful. Everyone was interested and willing to answer any queries.

I learned about such activities after work shadowing with a 'buddy'.

I would certainly recommend this programme to a friend as J.P. Morgan has left a very positive impression on me. It's often difficult to get a sense of a firm's culture and duties from their website but it is very apparent that J.P. Morgan have invested a lot of time and resources into making the insight programme true to its name.