First Step Programme Review

This insight was very useful both for me and my CV. Personally, it allowed me to gain a deep insight into investment banking, the various functions of a global investment bank and also how recruiters recruit the best candidates out the huge applicant pools. The event was very enjoyable in that I was able to network with peers and develop my network too.

The two HR individuals who ran the event were very efficient and welcoming. They made all of us feel as though we were important to both the firm but to each other as well. This was significant in my experience of Nomura, as all of the delegates felt as though Nomura was truly interested in recruiting us in the futur

There was significant support and guidance during the insight from the Nomura representatives. They guided us through the material as well as with the networking sessions. I think that their guidance was very effective in making my experience at Nomura very useful for the future, as the soft skills I learnt there will be invaluable for the future.

The skills I developed and the information I received from Nomura will be significant in my degree studies and beyond. In particular, I think that Nomura cleared up a lot of the myths and rumours about the recruiting process and all of the delegates at the event found this very useful. The networking skills I developed will be useful throughout my career.

The insight was very well structured and organised. There were hour long sessions during the entire day, each were intended to improve our understanding or skills in some way. The industry professionals were very interesting to talk to as this offered us a true insight into the industry we hope to enter in the future.

During the insight, the atmosphere was focussed and driven, yet friendly. All the delegates were interested in the future and were very motivated to do well, but they were all individuals who had approachable personalities. Everyone was inclusive and welcoming to each other and at the end of the day I felt as though I had made some good contacts that could prove very useful in the future.

Nomura invested a great deal of time in all of us, as HR had taken months to plan this day for us. They had taken the effort to arrange for industry professionals to meet us and this was very useful. The industry professionals were not rude or inconsiderate, rather they were encouraging and helpful.

I understood a great deal about Nomura and their functions. I would have really enjoyed spending time on the trading floor, but speaking with the fixed income trader who came to meet us was very useful and this provided a similar experience. This is the area I hope to work in, in the future and speaking with her was invaluable.

Nomura stressed their inclusive, Asian culture, which is something they take great pride in. The insight was partially based on their culture and this was evident from the beginning. It was very refreshing to experience a financial institution with roots deep in Japanese culture and values. This was clearly a significant factor for those working at Nomura.

Nomura solidified my interest in the financial sector in London as well as my interest in global markets. It was very useful in confirming my previous thoughts as well as deciding on which area of finance to enter, which I have now decided as Global Markets trading. This is what best fitted my skill set as well as my interests. Nomura helped me realise this.

Nomura kindly reimbursed my travel expenses to central London. As I live over one hundred miles from Nomura’s London office, travel expenses are significant and HR was very kind in allowing us to claim travel expenses from the Accounts department. Without this, it would have been difficult for me to afford to travel to London for this event.

There were great opportunities to meet company employees and I think this is what really made our experience as unique as it was. Without this, it would have been difficult to really connect with the company and obtain a true feel for how it recruits and runs, on a daily basis.

Networking was at the focus of the event. Nomura encouraged networking, almost from the minute we entered their building. There were numerous opportunities to do so, as well as dedicated sessions. I think that it is important that Nomura did this, as this allowed us to improve our skills in networking, something that will be important for a long time to come.

We found out about the activities that employees engage in, outside work. These include charity events, helping local school students and going to deprived areas of the country to be able to help those areas prosper. it seemed as though the employees really enjoy this side of their work, especially as it allows them to get to know each other better.

I would certainly recommend this to a friend, as it allows them to develop their soft skills as well as meet new people. I think this is very important, especially in the large sector that is finance in London. Simply being able to network with like minded individuals was a significantly enriching part of my day.