First Step Programme Review

The work experience/insight week provided a great opportunity to meet and get to know like-minded individuals, along with greater insight into the firm itself and the industry in which it operates. Nomura organised a variety of activities that both AS and A2 students could participate in with comfort, including a practise interview (with feedback).

Nomura invests a lot of time and resources into students like myself, allowing us to gain greater access into the finance industry, through work experience programmes. As 16-18 year old's with little to no experience in the finance industry, it was a pleasant surprise that everyone at the firm were warm, welcoming and patient towards us, and any questions I had were answered quickly and in a way that was easily understood. We were highly valued at the company.

During several of the group activities, it wasn't always 100% obvious on what we were expected to do (only given brief descriptions prior to the activities commencing). This meant that a lot of staff interaction was required to keep the ball rolling on all groups. I felt that the most support/guidance given during the work experience programme was after the 'mock' interview, where one junior analyst took us through our CVs along with giving us feedback on our competency/motivational question answers for future use.

Certainly, the information provided to me during the insight week has given me an advantage, allowing me to secure future insight programmes with other banks. I have learnt how to network successfully amongst both junior and senior members of a firm with ease and confidence. It has also encouraged me to develop my presenting skills (individually and as a group), which I know will be advantageous not only for my studies but also for future employment.

The insight programme was relatively well structured. However, quite often I found myself and my peers going home an hour or two earlier than expected, due to lack of organisation/busy employees cancelling last minute. Additionally, it was noticeable that were long delays in-between activities, leaving us waiting around not sure on what we expect to happen. The activities fitted loosely around the time slots.

The general atmosphere during the insight days was very positive. Compared to a single gender work experience programme, the mixed gender programme at Nomura seemed to bring all individuals together, allowing us to work effectively as one unit (within our groups). The atmosphere between HR and interns was also very positive, HR were usually with us at all times to answer any questions we had, but also gave us space to work on our projects when necessary.

The personal training I got from the insight days mostly came from the final mock interview as mentioned. I was given a lot of feedback on my interview (ie, which of my motivational/technical/competency questions I answered successfully, and which of my answers could be improved) - along with any questions I had, were answered. We were also give the opportunity to discuss feedback on our individual performance (by telephone) soon after the programme.

There were multiple occasions when we able to converse with both junior and senior members of Nomura (from various divisions of the firm) - some of which personally discussed what it was like to work at firm like Nomura (perhaps compared to working at other similar firms). It helped me to understand the sort of projects that employees at Nomura work on, on a day-to-day basis. Along with the responsibilities that each individual has within their role.

The fact that Nomura holds an insight programme for 16-18 year old's very much illustrates the invested culture that Nomura has, not only in its current employees, but also (young) potential employees. Everyone at the firm was very friendly, which overall left me with the feeling that Nomura's culture is very much like a family. This 'family' orientated culture was also very much emphasised during the whole of the insight programme by employees at the firm.

Most of the information/activities provided to us seemed relevant to my future career path in finance, however, some activities (such as memorising the shape of a lego statue) was perhaps questionable in terms of its application in my future career. However, the firm encouraged us to work both individually and as teams (getting to know one another quickly and effectively), this I believe will be a vital life skill for me to use in the future. This part of the programme was invaluable - since I still remain in contact with students I met during the three-day insight programme.

Travel expenses were paid up to a certain limit (ie economy travel only).

There were numerous opportunities to network with a variety of employees at Nomura, ranging from junior analysts to more senior members of the firm. Nomura also allowed us to network with numerous representatives from various divisions, including IBD, trading, technology etc. Networking largely occurred during lunch time but also at the farewell gathering (after the insight week).

The networking sessions were great, often over lunch. The company held a leaving 'party' at the end of the programme, inviting parents to additionally network with the employees at the company.

This area wasn't explicitly covered during the insight programme.

The Nomura work experience programme is a great opportunity for 16-18 year olds, not only to gain greater insight into the finance industry (whether you are certain or unsure about your future career path), but also to meet new like-minded people/make friendships that will hopefully continue throughout your career.