First Step Programme Review

At the beginning of the day I was a little unsure about some of the terminology which was being used as I had not yet studied these areas in detail, however as the day went on I became more confident. Along with this the people who worked for Nomura were very helpful and were always happy to answer any questions you had.

When I found about that I was one of 32 chosen out of over 450 applicants this made me feel valued, and along with this they did icebreakers at the beginning of the day which made everyone feel more relaxed and therefore they took into account how we would be feeling. Additionally the people who came to speak to us came across like they genuinely wanted to be there to share their experience and advice, which made me feel valued.

We had quite a structured day, and a lot of this was interactive. Before we did any 'harder' tasks there was always guidance given, and they would answer any questions we had. Also the way that the tables were arranged meant that there was always someone on your table who could help, if there were any problems.

The advice on CV writing, interview skills and networking we received will be helpful in any situation in the future, wether it be applying for a course during university or a job after university. They was also lots of advice on how the application process works for applying to there other schemes available such as the internships and graduate schemes, which will become very useful and relevant in the future.

It was very well sturctured, there was a timetable for the day which we went through at the beginning of the day. Additionally all the sessions followed on from one another, building up our knowledge throughout the day, as it started with ice breakers and introductions, and finished with a group exercise.

Everyone came across as very friendly and this gave everyone the atmosphere to grow in confidence, especially when we were networking. Everyone who took part in the programme seemed interested in being there and it was nice to meet other people with the same interests, which meant that everyone got on very well.

They seemed to take the time and get the resources together, both information such as in how to write a CV and the group activity, to the people who worked within the business who gave their time. This therefore showed that they invested in providing me with the training and development

It was very useful, especially when taking to some of the people who worked for Nomura, as this meant we could ask them questions about their work. It also allowed us to spend time within the building, which would play quite a big part within your job, as this not only showed the working environment but also the culture which Nomura has.

Meeting the employees really helped as they all were very positive in the way the talked about the culture which they saw the company had, and especially when some of them were able to compare it to other places they had worked in. Also when we had a short tour of the building (basically just the food bit and the terrace) all the people that we passed looked happy to be in work and were friendly towards us.

It was somewhat helpful, but I am a person who finds it beneficial to spend time shadowing people when they work, and unfortunately this was not possible due to the short time scale of the insight (this was made clear that this was not possible before applying). However the day did show me the different career paths which are available within the company and how to get to these roles.

I am yet to receive the money for my train fare, but it should be covered. However hotel expenses are not reimbursed, even if you did travel far away and would have to wake up extremely early in the morning so that hotel costs were not incurred. Additionally before I applied I knew that I would not be getting paid, and was not expecting to either they were providing a useful insight day to me.

A large proportion of the day we spent meeting employees from lots of different parts of the company and at different levels, such as those still on the graduate scheme to those who had already gone through the scheme. A really good thing was that before we first started networking they went through how to network and they slowly introduced us to it, which helped build my confidence.

For one of the networking events when we were doing the 'speed networking' this was very useful, however as we were still sat in table groups it was harder to ask the employees who we were talking to questions as there was always someone who asked all the questions, not allowing any one else time to ask a question. However I really benefitted from the other question and answers sessions and the networking lunch.

Somewhat, as they were mentioned vaguely but not in full detail. There seemed to be a lot of activities and groups available and they seemed to come across as a very inclusive company and the employees seemed to enjoy and benefit from the activities and benefits they received such as the days they get paid to volunteer.

Definitely, especially if they were thinking of a career in the financial sector, or even if they were unsure and it could be an option. This insight will and has helped me decide what I would like to do in the future, and anyone interested should apply as it had givern me clarity in what the steps are for getting into working for Nomura (and in the financial sector)