Insight Week participant Review

To a large extent I enjoyed Bank of America Merrill Lynch Insight Week. First of all, it’s been a great opportunity to meet incredible people from all over the Europe. Second of all, BAML representatives were very proactive and helpful in all different problems I had. Finally, the week was organized in a way that all participants would not only learn a lot but also would have fun.

To a large extent I felt valued during my time at the BAML. We had an opportunity to network with representatives of all departments and all positions from analysts to MDs. Moreover, we were given a tour around all departments. At all times, we were treated politely and friendly. It felt great to be there!

From the beginning of the spring week, we were given guidebooks with all kind of information. Moreover, inside the book we had the names of all participants and their preferred divisions. This facilitated networking to a large extent. HR were very helpful at all times, and always reminded us where would be the next activity.

To a large extent the information I received will be helpful in my studies and more importantly in life. First of all, we started with presentation skills and I learned a lot of new techniques of effective presentations. Second of all, information about Investment Bank activities that we learned during the week couldn’t be found on any web. Finally, the exercises in which we participated, is a priceless experience, which cannot be acquired outside of the bank.

The insight week was very well structured. On the first day, we started with general information and some skill sessions. Next couple of days was dedicated to specific divisions. However, it was very dynamic with presentations and case studies, which made even more interesting. Last day, was dedicated to assessment center and useful tips how to go through interview process.

General atmosphere during the insight was very friendly, polite and exciting. All participants were very interesting people, which made networking between students exciting. You couldn't feel any competition between students; in fact it felt like a big family. BAML did a great job of showing new interns of what the culture is like.

In terms of personal training, BAML made sure that all participants were actively learning. At some point, I was lost during the exercise, which made one of the BAML representatives give me more responsibility. This made me learn to a greater degree, and soon I was on the same page as my casemates.

At all times, we were treated as incoming analysts. We were taking to a company tour, where we saw exactly the desks we would be sitting at. Case studies and exercises gave us the flavor of what would it be like to work on a real deal. Most importantly, analysts and associates explained in details the every day responsibilities.

At every bank, representatives say “its all about the people” and “its all about the culture”. But in reality, it cant be explained, unless felt. BAML didn’t have to talk about how great their culture is, it was clear from the first minutes we entered the building. Especially, if you went to other spring weeks, the culture difference felt to a larger extent. Friendly, polite and customer oriented.

BAML did their best to make sure we understand all different carrier opportunities we could face. Under division days, there were many different carrier paths, and it was important to understand what each division does, in order to maintain the company working efficiently. I learned so much that I surely couldn't find on the Internet.

I was reimbursed expenses

The networking events were organized every day, sometimes couple of times per day. We had a special dinner, where mainly senior bankers attended. This was an incredible opportunity to ask all sorts of questions. During the day, however, we had an opportunity to work on case studies, which also was a great way to network with representatives from different departments, who helped us with the tasks.

As said before, networking opportunities were available almost 24/7. From all debarments and all levels (Analysts to MDs)

We were given presentation about different associations that exist outside of work.

Yes, its been a great opportunity to find out which division you would fit in.