Spring Insight Programme Review

The Insight was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Rothschild & Co and explore the industry that I would like to enter once I complete my studies. The programme had a unique structure to it and was packed with exciting and challenging activities that kept me engaged throughout the week.

The Spring Class was very well looked after by the Recruitment Team and the tasks we were given, although not contributing to the operations of the firm, were taken very seriously. The final presentation was judged by a panel of senior bankers and we were given numerous opportunities to meet with analysts, associates and directors of the firm.

The Rothschild bankers we interacted with through the various networking opportunities were keen to help us with our presentations. As well as this, an external teacher brought in from Fitch Learning conducted a workshop on the first day to ensure that all of us understood the basics of investment banking.

The week was an excellent opportunity to understand the day-to-day activities of an investment banker through the work shadowing sessions. As well as this, the project honed my ability to present and defend my findings in front of a panel of directors and allowed me to develop my leadership skills. Finally, the training we received from Fitch Learning helped me understand finance beyond textbook theory.

The programme was incredibly well structured, consisting of a variety of insightful activities as well as plenty of time to work on our group project. The series of presentations about the different divisions in the bank were spread out well through the week and the day of volunteering and social events helped us get to know our peers better.

The small number of people on the programme definitely created a more family-feel atmosphere. Everyone we interacted with were very friendly, from the Recruitment Team to senior bankers, and my peers were all very sociable and keen to learn. Activities such as afternoon tea with the directors were very enjoyable and the project work helped simulate the workings of an investment banker.

We were given presentations that not only focused on the technical side of things but also personal development which I thought was a pleasant addition to the programme. The Fitch Learning workshop on investment banking was hugely informative and engaging and will help me prepare for my final interview in the summer.

Rothschild has a very strong company culture, reflecting the values of the founding family, and it was clear to see this through the day-to-day operations of the bank. The teams work very closely together on projects and everyone is supportive and friendly. The nature of Rothschild's transactions indicate the importance of relationships with its clients.

I was fairly certain that I wanted to be an investment banker before the programme but the week reaffirmed my interest in finance. The shadowing sessions were particularly good at this as I was able to chat with analysts about the sort of work that I would do should I be hired.

There were several opportunities to meet employees of the firm, from analysts to directors, through the networking lunches set up by the Recruitment Team. Everyone at the firm were keen to talk to us about their job and help us increase our understanding of finance. I even had the chance to go for coffee with the analyst that interviewed me!

There were a variety of social opportunities organise by the Recruitment Team in order to help us settle in. By the end of the week, the Spring Class were very well acquainted with one another and had made strong contacts at Rothschild & Co thanks to the various networking opportunities.

Yes. We were given a tour of New Court and saw many of the facilities that employees at the firm have access to, such as the gym and sky garden. We also spent a morning at a charity that is supported by the firm and were told about the numerous opportunities for employees to engage in community efforts.

Absolutely! Would strongly recommend to anyone interested in finance.