Student Review

Absolutely fantastic opportunity to experience what an investment bank actually is, how it functions, and how you could be a part of it in your career. Coming from a non financial background and not really considering a career in finance previously, it was great to gain exposure to an almost other world than what I'm used to. Also great to spend time with like minded people from a range of backgrounds.

Very. The experience that really made me realize how valued everyone is at bank of america was a dinner held mid way through the week, where MDs from the firm volunteered their time to discuss their careers, opportunities and their backgrounds with us. Having this senior level take an interest in us really made the bank feel like a supportive and open place to work.

As much as was needed. The employees in the sections understood that the majority of people were new to this line of work, so were ready and willing to help out and explain when they could see someone struggling. There was also a lot of support and guidance on a future career at BAML.

Coming from a Computer Science background, the courses themselves didn't contain a lot of technical information to be more inclusive for those coming from other backgrounds, so skills from my degree were kept to a minimum. However we had the opportunity for long term skills such as presentations and group work tips that will stay with me for a long time.

Very well structured and supported by the staff. Every participant on each of their respective courses was always given the ability to learn or network, so we were kept busy for the duration of the spring week. Organisation was logical and well co-ordinated, and ran seamlessly throughout the whole event.

Everyone was excited to be at the location, and given that there were opportunities at every corner to network with someone, or learn a new skill, or participate in an activity, the atmosphere was continually and consistently energetic and enthusiastic. This was supported by enthusiastic staff that were able to encourage everyone to participate.

This largely came from the opportunity to work on and develop softer skills in the time of the spring week as opposed to degree specific, and included group project and teamwork skills, presentation skills, and networking skills. Everyone was also willing at every point to clarify and explain concepts not clear to anyone.

The networking events served as a main function for finding out what working at the firm is really like, and a lot of great details could be learned from staff that were in your shoes only a few years ago. There was also the opportunity to work shadow employees, and speak to different teams, each providing their own insight into the firm.

Again the networking events gave a great insight into how company culture is respected and carried forward every day in the practices of the bank. Presentations also clearly iterated what the values of the firm are, and hence fairly quickly the values and core principles of the bank could be learned.

Previously coming from a technology only oriented background, it was interesting to explore an entirely new industry and working culture compared to the ones that are most common among technology students. Events such as these are very important in giving students that don't have the chance an insight into alternative career paths, and hence was very valuable.

I would personally suggest just issuing a number of underground tickets to participants at the start of the work as many didn't receive a receipt for their purchase of a week ticket. However apart from this the event was very well reimbursed and most things required were already provided to us.

There were plenty such opportunities, in fact provided every day, and across a wide range of divisions, and so participants from any background had the opportunity to ask about careers in each of the different departments. This was in a range of scenarios; some in the form of a dinner, some in presentation style events, some in stalls.