Fixed Income Analyst Review

I enjoyed my placement greatly. In my role, there was quite a bit of flexibility so I could have some freedom with the projects I worked on. Given this I worked on researching some stuff I found really interesting. There is a lot of opportunity to get involved in conferences, talking to economists and more social occasions as well. My team were great and a pleasure to work with.

My experience with this is perhaps unique to me as I sat away from my team as there was a lack of space on the trading desks. Unfortunately this meant I had relatively little exposure to my team however they were very accommodative; they told me to come over often. My work was valued highly by the team... especially as they wouldn't know how to do most of the tasks!

My supervisor would always have time for me. There were never any 'stupid questions' and I was encouraged to share my progress and work with the team. My manager would spend time reviewing some of the projects with me providing me good feedback on how to improve and other potential projects.

It varies... but there is always something to do. I always had long-term projects so was never 'bored'. Some days there would be something to do fairly urgently so you would need to drop everything and get busy but this was fairly rare. If I wasn't doing any of the above I would be reading research and developing trade ideas.

There is a lot of responsibility, perhaps even too much. Many of my more regular tasks could only be done by me as no-one else knew how. This means that you have real responsibility however causes problems when illness/holidays are involved. I had a very uniquely independent role that required responsibility, organisation and proactivity.

My excel and general computing skills have been boosted hugely. I have also learnt some practical coding skills, organisational skills and learnt how to work with people you don't like (which is more than likely). These will all come in handy for my final year I am sure, but the best thing for me is regarding options; I was far more confident in what I wanted to study in my final year given my experience here.

Very relaxed atmosphere which I enjoyed. There was still a little bit of a buzz surrounding the trading desks but nothing too intense. The average age is quite high (asset management after all) so I'm sure it's not as vibrant as some but there are a sufficient number of interns so you don't feel swamped by age.

Not very, to be honest. When I arrived my team didn't know (they thought I was a month early) and it is sometimes not easy to find out certain things about the placement. I have asked members of HR questions and they have ignored me and actually told me incorrect information once as well. There were, however, some talks set up from various departments which were quite useful.

I was able to take advantage of external training by brokers and Bloomberg which was very beneficial. I do feel, however, that UBS should have invested in a week's training at the beginning to give all interns an overview of finance and excel - essential in everyone's roles. You could normally find someone to help if you didn't know... but it was very much a 'learn on the job' approach.

There is no GTP here at the moment which means the only way to re-join after university is to get hired onto a team as an employee. Some have done this in the past however there is definitely no guarantee of this and this is one of the downfalls of this placement. Perhaps they may introduce a GTP soon as it would make sense.

This was pretty good. We arranged everything amongst ourselves but there was plenty of chance to get to know the interns outside of work, with drinks most Thursdays. There are quite a few interns here as well which always helps with the numbers side of things. You also weren't expected to go to these things which is good I guess.

London..... rent is 600pcm at least (mine ~800), lunches cost £6 unless you go to a supermarket, tube over 1000 a year, drinks are 5 minimum (unless you know where to go), clubs generally 5-20, uber helps on taxis but still a lot. You can save if you try but not so easy... Peer pressure can lead to expensive evenings!

Pretty good. Lots of variety.

Yeah there were a few drinks and team meals. Not too many but not bad.