Compliance Intern Review

I enjoyed the insight into the operation of Nomura as an Investment bank in the city. My time here was useful and delivered me with a detailed knowledge of the Compliance and Legal operations within Nomura. The other interns on the placement were also very friendly and staff were approachable.

The majority of people that I networked with in meetings were respectful and approachable despite coming from an inexperienced background. However, outside these meeting little interaction occurred that made me feel part of the organisation and valued within the department. In some ways, in times outside of meetings I felt more a spectator rather than a participant.

Within meetings, different team members shared their experiences both within Nomura and in other organisations and how best this worked for them. This included with advice and words of wisdom from different age ranges and backgrounds provided me with a solid foundation to take away and apply to my future development.

The skills I developed and advice have received had been relevant in helping me to begin to understand what is required to be successful in for summer internships and then a grad role. Much of the advice I received was quite subject specific to my division making it less transferable to outside the workplace.

The division I centred in provided me with plenty of meetings to gain one-to-one experience with employees from different functions. HR also organised talks and workshops to help network and engage. My only critique would be to structure in more opportunities for interns from different divisions to meet and socialise.

Within the building, everyone is amicable and pleasant. The general atmosphere is relaxed and ensures that even as intern you feel comfortable within the corporate setting. In communal areas, there is a buzz and friendly atmosphere which ensures anytime away from the desk is exciting and makes it easy to meet and chat with friends.

Some of the time that was allocated in my schedule was for e-learning. This gave me access to a range of courses available for all Nomura employees on topics regarding finance and personal development. However, guidance on how best to utilise these resources was not provided, and my own personal discretion which was not well informed had to be used.

The experience exposed me to what it would be like to work in the environment of Nomura, with a feel for working hours, commuting and socialising. However, the practicality of what would be conducted in a day to day role was not provided, making me unsure of what a role within the company and what duties are required relatively unknown

Much of my schedule consisted of meeting staff from different functions within the compliance department. Each provided me with an overview of their function and the relevance of their role within the bank. Such insight made it easier for me to decipher which areas in particular were of interest to me.

Transport into London was reimbursed from my hometown. But transport within the city, food and accommodation are not provided. Instead, a wage is issued per each day of the insight. This is relatively unique for such experiences but not quite enough to cover paying living costs and transport during the experience.

There were two networking lunches and a farewell drinks reception in which some staff member and other interns attended. However, the range of staff who were available to network through such events was quite limited in scope and rather subject specific. Contact with senior staff was also quite limited in such activities.

Talking to grads in particular and other members of staff, it was clear the bank offered a plethora of enrichment activities for staff. Alongside sports, gym access, volunteering and coding classes there is something for everyone. The activities that caught my attention were access to beehives on the roof and involvement in a society that stresses the importance of equal opportunities for all genders.

I would recommend this insight to those who are relatively new to the world of investment banking and those who want to explore their career options. This programme offers an accessible vehicle for women who want to build their careers and network across the financial divisions of an investment bank.