Insight Programme Attendee Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight day at Nomura, particularly appreciating the sessions whereby we got to hear from current employees about their experiences in the finance sector and career progression. I feel it offered an honest insight into the sort of things that we as students can be doing to further our prospects and ensure successful careers should we choose to pursue one in this area.

From the moment I arrived I was made to feel welcome at Nomura. Already encouraged by the helpfulness of the Graduate Recruitment team via email correspondence, everyone at the firm from the receptionists to employees you encountered in the lift were helpful and friendly. It created the feeling of a lovely, supportive work environment where each team member is valued.

The staff managing the event struck a good balance between supporting the attendees when necessary, offering invaluable guidance throughout the lectures and panel sessions, whilst also allowing individual thought and encouraging innovation and independent work within the peer group during the group activities. This went a long way towards giving us the confidence to express opinions, ask questions when necessary and belief in our abilities.

For me, the experience was invaluable in terms of assisting me in making relevant degree choices and ensuring that I fulfil all of the necessary requirements to allow me to pursue a successful career in this sector. The networking lunch offered me the opportunity to speak to some of the recruitment team who reassured me of the suitability of my potential study choices and provided helpful advice as to other things that I could be doing to further my opportunities for obtaining a career at a corporation such as Nomura.

I felt that the structure of the day was successful in terms of keeping all of the attendees engaged and providing all of the things that you would hope to gain from a programme such as this. The split between activities and lectures was good and ensured that the day was varied and interesting.

Whilst it was of course primarily an opportunity to gain insight into career possibilities in the financial sector, the day also offered invaluable opportunities for networking and communicating with current employees as well as other attendees. To such an extent, the frequent short breaks allowed chances to learn more about others on the programme and created a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. This combined with the accommodating employees, made the experience thoroughly comfortable and enjoyable.

I feel that the session deliver by the recruitment team on CV writing and interview technique will be extremely useful in the future when it comes to applying for jobs and writing personal statements. They highlighted the sort of things relevant to a career/internship in the financial sector and helped me to understand a successful application typically includes.

The various opportunities throughout the day to network with current employees or listen to them speak about their personal experiences within the company, from a range of different areas, provided an honest insight into the opportunities for career progression and mobility and offered an invaluable insight into how best we as students could further our opportunities and increase the chance of being hired at an organisation such as Nomura.

Many of the employees spoke about their experiences within the company and highlighted the welcoming and supportive nature of Nomura as a corporation, both within the London office and abroad.

I appreciated the fact that lectures were offered from employees within different sectors and the speed networking session allowed a chance to speak to people from technology all the way to Global markets. It offered an insight into the nature of each role and the respective associated responsibilities, helping to confirm my interest in Investment Banking and Global markets.

I travelled to the event in my own car and therefore an expenses claim was not appropriate.

There were various opportunities integrated throughout the day's timetable to network with current Nomura employees. This offered an invaluable and honest insight into the nature of employment within the financial sector, in a wide range of roles.

The networking and social event opportunities which were offered throughout the day with both current Nomura employees and fellow attendees were insightful and interesting, providing the opportunity to build individual relationships.

We were given a building tour which showed the impressive facilities on offer to all Nomura employees, from the gym to the roof terrace overlooking the London skyline. I was impressed by the various societies and activities on offer to employees outside of work and encouraged by the holistic approach to life and promotion of a healthy work-life balance by the company, even within more demanding sectors such as Investment Banking.

I found the insight day extremely interesting and helpful. I was engaged and interested throughout; the speakers were enthusiastic and offered a comprehensive insight into their roles within the company and the activities were challenging whilst not overwhelming and therefore enjoyable. To such an extent I would thoroughly recommend this programme to anyone considering a career within the finance sector and specifically an Investment bank.