Finance Analyst Develop Program Summer Intern Review

Really enjoyed my internship at JPMC. Good exposure to how a big bank function and plenty of opportunity plus resources for me to explore. Direct manager and colleagues were very supportive in terms of teaching and guiding me through both work and firm-wide culture and resources. Attempts to innovate and perform were supported and even cross LoB exposure were provided.

My colleagues were very supportive of my development and took time off to explain the logic and reasoning behind most of the tasks. Attempts to innovate and improve certain processes were never turned down and guidance was always available when requested. Tasks provided were not menial or "intern work" but what an analyst will be assigned to do. Really felt like a full-time employee instead of an intern.

My direct manager is probably the most supportive and understanding manager I've worked with by far. Very supportive of my goals and development even though I'll only be in the firm for 10 weeks. Very receptive to my opinions and always willing to set aside time to monitor my progress. Feedback provided were always constructive and micro-management was a minimum.

My role is very project based and we do not have a BAU role/task. That being said, I came in at a right period where heavy projects were on-going and I was given a significant portion to overlook and manage. Tasks were always available and they are often given with comfortable deadlines. In summary, time flies when I'm on the desk!

I was pretty much treated as a full-time analyst and even took over the responsibilities of an analyst who was leaving the team. For the project that I was working on, I did the lion share of the technical work and was given plenty of room to innovate and design the process itself.

I would say that my main "skills" takeaway from this internship is more soft based than technical but I believe it will definitely assist me in my studies and even beyond my academic life. I've significantly improved my multi-tasking and project-management skills and ventured beyond my comfort circle plenty of times. Business acumen is constantly being sharpened in such a fast-moving environment.

Very relaxed and independent. Tasks are generally assigned during weekly/biweekly meetings and you set your own pace to achieve the tasks. Ad-hoc requests will appear once in awhile so time-management skills is essential. Colleagues and managers were not hierarchal focused so communications were swift and direct, making things very efficient. All in all a very professional place to work in.

Onboarding process was a little messy, information requests were sometimes repeated but the HR team was very responsive and helpful. Internship was very structured and resources were plenty. Communications to keep us updated were informative and timely. Event invites or information requests were always sent out in advance and support was always given if required.

From an intern perspective, the firm invest just enough for you to get you started and sufficiently exposed in order to get a feel of the company. Proper opportunities for personal training and development are only accessible after full-time employment. That being said, the firm provides self-service resources that are very informative and practical in terms of improving our technical knowledge or general exposure to different areas of the bank.

Future employment prospects and lateral movement is a main focus of JPMC. Seen and heard of many successful stories in terms of LoB / area switches. Mobility opportunities are often highlighted and communicated to all staff. That being said, I can definitely sense a presence of inertia for LoB shifts at a later stage of an employee's career. In summary, opportunities are available but it does take quite a grind if you want to do a major shift.

Since my team is globally based and rather small, social scene with my direct colleagues were very limited. Social scene with fellow placement students is not too bad if you bother to initiate anything. HR does organize quite a few good socials but apartment from that, social scene amongst colleagues and fellow students was ok, nothing fantastic.

Cost of living is quite ok with the pay they are providing but London being London, things can get quite pricey, especially if you're used to prices from a smaller city. Socialising wise, prices are pretty standard (£5 per pint) but the main issue is with finding an empty pub by the time you leave work!

Honestly I have never tried partying at Canary Wharf but it is not too far away from SOHO and the nightlife there is pretty crazy and fun! Loads of places for you to visit and try out, you can definitely find something that you'll like in the City of London.

Yes! I was quite surprised myself when we received plenty of invites to a wide array of activities ranging from volunteering to participating in sports and music! There are plenty of events lined up every month and there are lots of business resource groups that you can join and help out with.