This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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About You
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The Company
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Everything Else
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
- 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
- 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 5. How well structured was the insight?
- 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
- 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
- 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
- 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
- 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
- 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
- 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
- 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
- 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
About You
Coming from an economics background, much of the information covered over the two weeks and in general was coherent with my coursework. However, the trading simulation was extremely helpful and allowed to develop more in-depth knowledge of the overall business. In addition to that, networking sessions were also part of the one day programme.
I felt really extremely valued. I was astonished by the amount of exposure we had, from junior analysts who recently completed their spring program, to senior management including successful partners of the firm. This was particularly true for the presentations that were held by executive and managing directors.
During the insight day, a lot of guidance was provided. HR included some one-to-one feedback sessions throughout the program. Moreover, specific networking sessions with analysts and senior managers were extremely helpful and even provided more insights than required.
The Company
The insight week was extremely well structured. At the beginning of the day we got a schedule which listed out each activity for each hour , so you always knew what was coming! It was also nice to have sessions in which all the spring interns were together, and other events with senior managers of each specific division.
The insight day at M&G Investments was an amazing experience. Every individual who was selected to be part of the programme was impressive but also extremely easy to approach. I have learned a lot about the asset management industry, and the financial services sector in general and look forward to going back to the firm for the summer internship next year
The insight week gave a great overview of many different divisions, which a focus on investment management in general, thanks to the trading game. In addition to this, through speaking to employees during networking sessions, you could find out more about work/life balance and generally how employees felt about their work.
The insight week was a great way to see what the environment was like at M&G Investments. Depending on divisions, the hours are not very long, especially compared to investment banking, and it seems like a great place to work, as everyone is very cooperative and helpful. If you like your coworkers, you are much more likely to enjoy your job, and I got the impression that M&G Investments puts a lot of effort into making sure they have an inclusive and diverse environment, and fully support their employees
It was pretty valuable in explaining what each department did, and the general work that is involved. However, I think that a full understanding/decision of your career path is probably best found by actually doing the job. A summer internship would be a great opportunity to truly understand what the work involves, from a first hand perspective. The only pity is that the Insight Day does not fast track you thorough the internship application process directly to the interview.
Everything Else
Travel expenses were paid for only for students coming from outside London.
There were two main networking sessions with graduates, analysts and senior managers.
We did learn about the many networks and philanthropies that employees can get involved in. Additionally, through networking and personally asking questions to employees, you can easily get a good picture of what the work/life balance is like and what employees are able to do outside of the office.
I would definitely recommend this week. Even if you are not sure if you want to go down this career path, it is a great opportunity that will set you apart from any other applicant. You will learn a lot and have a great time. Even if you are not sure, definitely apply! It is only one day so it is not a huge time commitment at all, and everyone seemed to have a lot of fun and really enjoyed themselves
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Financial Management
London
November 2017