Investment Banking Insight Week Review

The insight week was a great experience.It gave me a realistic insight into banking and a variety of divisions. I particularly enjoyed meeting students from different University and countries who I am still in contact with. I also liked the networking events with employees and presentations as all the speakers were extremely motivated and well prepared.

All the employees seemed happy to meet us and interested in us coming back as interns.Some even offered to meet after the program was over or during the week. HR was extremely friendly as well and helping us with decisions such as which division to apply to. Overall, I only had positive experiences with employees of the bank.

The insight week gave me a good overview of the banking industry but didn't go into detail as it was only very short. Due to the variety of networking events I improved my networking kills. As this was my first insight week, I wasn't prepared for this.The insight week taught me how to approach senior employees which I believe is one of the most important skills in this industry.

The insight week was extremely well structured. Prior to the start of the week we received an email with all the necessary information concerning the structure.On day one we received a booklet with an overview of the program as well the names of all participants in it. It was all well organised and the schedule we were given at the beginning of the week was followed.

The employees were very friendly and willing to answer any questions.The same was the case for the participants who were very helpful despite the competition for internships at the end of the week. As we were assessed the whole week,there was some pressure as well but there was still an overall good atmosphere.

There was a huge emphasis put on the company culture. Throughout the week there were presentations on corporate social responsibility, volunteering opportunities as well as of minority groups to encourage diversity. Throughout the week my positive picture of BAML was confirmed by the numerous presentations and employees' attitude which showed that the company puts a huge emphasis on diversity and a positive work environment.

Before coming to the insight week I didn't know if I could see myself work in baking.The insight week has shown me that there are so many opportunities within BAML, also to move between divisions, which has convinced me that I would like to work in this industry in this industry. I am still not sure which exact career path I want to take but knowing that it is not necessary to make a definite decision even after graduation is an incentive for me to work in such a large organisation.

It was an unpaid insight week but BAML provided accommodation and paid for transport. There was also a small breakfast and lunch every day as well as dinner on some of the days. I wouldn't have expected to receive a payment for the insight week as we didn't have to work but only had presentations, networking events and interactive session.

There were opportunities for networking everyday.We had a networking breakfast,lunch and dinner every day where we could meet employees from all divisions. I particularly enjoyed the networking dinner as it gave us the opportunity to speak with employees in a relaxed environment outside the bank. Overall, there was a huge emphasis on networking throughout the week and we were encouraged to get in touch with employees after the events.

There were several presentations on possible involvement throughout the week.There was even a session entirely dedicated to those opportunities.A huge emphasis was put on volunteering in with all employees are encouraged to participate.There were employees talking about their experiences which made it seem more authentic.It encouraged me to participate in those opportunities during my internship next summer.

I would recommend this insight week to anyone interested in banking regardless of their degree background. It is a great opportunity to get to know the industry and network with people at this early stage rather that leaving it for after graduation. The insight week at BAML is one of the best ones available and I would do it again anytime.