Spring Week Insight Programme 2018 Review

I took part in the Markets Spring Week programme of 2018. I thoroughly enjoyed the Spring Week programme this year. It was impeccably organised and very well structured. The employees were very generous with their time and helped us to feel very welcome. Excellent networking opportunities with both employees and peers were presented. The days were varied and there was a good balance to the activities.

I was made to feel completely welcome at all stages of the Spring Week. The employees were very friendly and genuinely interested in what we had to say. Employees across all areas of the division freely gave their time to hear what we were studying, why we were interested in finance etc.

The week was very well structured overall, and every aspect of the week was overseen by the HR team. Other markets employees were also there to assist us in our project work, which was appreciated. Ample informations and instructions were provided for any activities and were were encourages to ask any questions that we had.

The Spring Week was a priceless opportunity to develop many life skills that I am sure to use into the future. Networking skills, presentation skills and interview skills were all encouraged and developed during the week. It was a fantastic opportunity to develop these soft skills with peers with the help and guidance of the Spring Week team.

As mentioned above, the week was very well structured, with a balance between the different types of activities, talks, interactive sessions etc. Each day was timetabled so you always knew what was on next and helped you to plan your day. The structuring also assisted in reflecting on the day's activities.

The Spring Week group overall gelled very well as a team and I had a fantastic time working with them all. The atmosphere was pleasant, friendly and welcoming at all times amongst peers and senior employees. Everyone was kind and helpful and the overall atmosphere was fun, yet professional throughout the week.

I felt very fortunate to have been given a place on the Spring Week programme as I felt a huge level of investment by the firm in me. Every required resource was provided for us and the time that was devoted to ensuring that we got the most out of the week was really appreciated.

The week has shown me the extent to which the culture of the firm is prevalent in day to day activities. The insight from the week has clearly shown me what the working culture in a huge investment bank is like, the emphasis on the people and the global feel of the firm. Being able to ask questions to employees also helped me to understand what a job here would involve.

The insight gave me a clear insight into the culture at JPM. The focus on people was most striking, and again being able to freely talk to the employees helped greatly in this.

Investigating careers by researching investment banks online is difficult and the only way to find out for sure what a career in markets involves is to ask people who are involved in the role. There are numerous types of careers within the division and the week helped me to decide which divisions that I am interested in and which I am not suited to.

Flights, food (while on premises) and accommodation were all covered by the firm.

Networking opportunities were presented every day.

The employees were genuinely interested in what we had to say, open to all questions and very accommodating.

Emphasis was not placed on this aspect of life at the firm, but the activities were mentioned by employees on panels and if we had any questions we were free to ask.

It was a very worthwhile experience for anyone who is considering a career in finance.