Insight student Review

I really enjoyed this insight programme because I was surrounded by other students who were friendly and staff who were very welcoming and open to answering any of my questions. I especially enjoyed the networking event at the end of the programme as it allowed me to ask any question I wanted to the graduates about their opinions on RBC,

I felt very valued at the firm which was surprising because the staff there had not seen me before. It was as if I had known them all for a very long time and could ask them anything about their roles and daily routines. Also the platter of food laid out for all the students was delicious and it really felt like RBC were pulling out all the stops to make us feel welcome and valued which is something I really appreciated.

When playing the FIX game given to us, the instructions were a little hard to grasp however much support was provided. Also we were given talks by various different people in the bank regarding what they do and how their roles fit in to the general workings of the bank; we were encouraged to ask questions to fully understand their roles which was great,

During the insight day, we were tasked with a presentation exercise which helped develop public speaking skills. We were also given a game which mimicked a real life market which helped me to understand the mindset of traders and what factors drive most of their decisions. This has helped me with deciding which part of the bank to investigate further as a future career prospect and also has helped me with my degree as presentation skills is a necessity to succeed at university.

It was very well structured, once everyone arrived we was handed a sheet which outlined each event for the day very clearly and none of the speakers or activities were late. There were no times during the day when the day felt like it was dragging because there was a good mix of talks and participating activities throughout the day.

The general atmosphere at the bank was very relaxed, many if not all of the members of the bank seemed very open to you asking them questions. Everyone was very nice and the graduates in particular really showed a great interest in us and really did want to help us in any way they could which was very helpful.

The two exercises given to us helped up develop our skills quite well. Presentation skills and quick thinking were greatly exercised in these activities. RBC could maybe have provided more exercises with regards to understanding different areas of the bank as I believe through practical learning, the students and I would understand how every part of the bank comes together to complete a certain objective.

RBC was very insightful in this department. The graduate networking event was very helpful, I was able to ask the graduates their daily routines and how their work-life balance is. They were able to tell us more about the environment at the bank and what it is like working in their teams in particular.

The insight was very helpful, especially on the tour of the bank. When on the trading floor, you could see how workers interacted with one another and how they were willing to help one another quite seamlessly.

Coming from a non-finance background, I do not know much about the different jobs in the banking industry; This insight programme exposed me to various roles and departments I was previously oblivious to which has allowed me to explore more future career paths which would better suit my skill set.

I was not reimbursed as I already live in London, anyone from outside of London were reimbursed their travel fees.

There were networking events held by the HR department to speak with the graduates. Also the trading floor tour allowed you to see different employees from the bank. A possible tour of different departments would have been nice to see however it is understandable as it was only one day long.

The networking events were very helpful as it was with graduates, individuals of similar age and experiences. The networking events could maybe have been better by bringing more senior individuals for further clarification on how the royal bank of Canada's environment is and what it takes to work for there full time.

The only activities I was aware of was the race for kids and the half marathon held by RBC however I am sure there are many more but we were not informed of them.

This insight was very helpful and being only for a day, there is no reason not to attend this insight programme.