Spring into Technology Review

The insight was, for the most part, very enjoyable as it was clearly planned out thoroughly. All those on the porgramme who weren't based in Bournemouth were offered accommodation and were thus living together. The insight included several group exercises of different sorts, both technical and not. There was hardly a dull moment. One improvement could be an occasional slight change of venue within the campus.

HR was present at every moment throughout the programme to assist us with everything from dietary requirements to interview scheduling. Apart from them, we got to meet people on the graduate team at Q&A panels and also while work shadowing. They were able to tell us more about the recruitment process from the applicant's aspect.

As this was just a week long insight, no sort of formal training was provided. However, the various exercises that we participated in helped develop our soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership and networking. The first two go hand in hand with my degree studies - computer science - as we often have group coursework and have to work with new people all the time.

The insight was very well structured, consisting of a variety of activities. It started off with a welcome session and mandatory safety and compliance talks, but quickly transitioned onto more engaging sessions such as networking and work shadowing events, coding challenges, and technical workshops, all with appropriately timed breaks. Although we usually had the evenings to ourselves, we were also taken out for networking dinners in the evenings.

The atmosphere was always very professional, but bright and engaging at the same time. We were always encouraged to ask questions at any time during the insight. Other candidates were very approachable and always ready to help out one another when needed. The employees very were welcoming as well. They often approached us, introduced themselves and told us about what they do on a day to day basis. They were equally interested in what we do and why we'd like to work with them.

We were given ample opportunities to experience what working in JP Morgan as a full time employee would be like. Aside from the previously mentioned graduate panels and work shadowing, we were told about how a work/life balance is supported at the firm, and about how there are different societies within the firm that we could join.

The insight showed us how every employee, from an analyst, to an MD, has a chance to make a difference. We learnt how JP Morgan is a huge corporation, but also has a small company feel to it. We saw how diverse and global the workforce was, and how giving back was promoted within the firm.

The insight gave us an all-round view of working as a software engineer and an infrastructure analyst would be like, which I believe wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for the insight. The programme reinforced my passion in working for technology in an investment bank as it showed me how global organisations such as JP Morgan have access to the best resources and intellectual capital.

JP Morgan paid for all the necessary expenses incurred.

We got a chance to attend not only question and answer panels with recent graduates, but also events with more senior employees. From unofficial events such as lunch at the firm's canteen, to more formal networking events, there was an ample number of occasions where you could chat with employees. There was also an event on the last day where you had a chance to speak to interviewers over a light lunch.

We were always encouraged to ask questions and be curious and professional. Senior members, because of their prolonged experience, were able to give sound advice on the variety of career tracks available for fresh intakes. The ratio of employees to candidates was always around 1:5 so there were plenty of people to meet and learn from. The employees were approachable and eager to have a chat about the work they do.

They were mentioned very often throughout the insight