Intern in Global Markets Review

Very enjoyable - I got the chance to see how a few of the divisions within Global Markets work, and what a day-in-the-life is really like. I was also set some tasks to complete, which gave me the opportunity to learn many new functions on excel, as well as some other, specialist programs that Nomura uses.

In the first week, I was shadowing in a very busy department (trading), which meant that I often felt a little left out, and didn't formally introduce myself to a lot of the people working there. In the second week, however, it was easier to engage in conversations as the type of work that the department did wasn't as time pressured. It also helped that the work I was assigned in the second week, was actually being used by the division, so I really felt like I was contributing.

HR was very helpful in providing information, and on the first day we were well instructed on the way Nomura works (some of the facilities available, how do to timesheets etc). During the time on the desk, there was less support, purely because the people I was shadowing were so busy, but this is to be expected, and if they were free, then they would always answer any questions and give guidance on any tasks.

There was a 4h workshop organised with DebateMate near the end of the first week, which was very helpful in developing speaking and debating skills, and which I can see being directly relevant in all areas of my life and career. The skills learnt on the desk could also be directly translated into my degree and beyond - including excel shortcuts and functions, time management, dissecting articles quickly, and working and interacting in a professional environment

The whole program was quite structured, with group activities and 'training sessions' organised throughout the week. We were set up with a company email, through which HR would add events (on the calendar feature in outlook), which was a helpful way to inform us of upcoming events, and any changes made. Within the division, there was less structure, and it depended on your desk contact in how they organised the week.

Very friendly in the intern sessions. It varied whilst on the desk, but was, on the whole, quite fun and dynamic. When the division was quite busy, then it was interesting (and a mental exercise) to follow what they were doing on their computers and saying to each other and brokers, when the division was quiet, I had the chance to ask specific questions and clarify points.

They invested a lot, sending us comprehensive training modules to complete ahead of the start of the program, which offered an extensive overview of finance, banking and economics (very helpful to those not studying economics or finance degrees, such as myself). On the first day of the internship, we were also given some interactive and helpful training.

To a great extent. We spent a lot of time in the divisions/on the desk, so got to observe (and/or take part in) the every-day work that an employee of this division would. For me, the first week was spent shadowing, and in the second week I was assigned tasks which the other employees were also performing, so in both cases it was highly instructive

Spending the majority of the time in the office gave an accurate depiction of the company culture.

Very instructive, especially as I am studying a degree in a non-finance subject, so I am currently questioning where I would like to have a career in the future, whether in my degree subject or in banking. It allowed me to see an accurate representation of what a banking job would entail.

The internship was paid, which was helpful as there are associated costs with staying in London. Unsurprisingly, this didn't fully cover the cost of accommodation, but that is to be expected. I would advise any applicants to try and find friends in London to stay with. The internship is well paid if you study in London, and so have accommodation there already.

Yes, there was a specific networking lunch near the end of the first week, which was really helpful because we were seated with employees working in the divisions in which we were interning. It was also an opportunity to ask questions, whereas generally on the desk, the employees were so busy that it was more difficult to network.

There were a few networking opportunities which were really helpful, and allowed you to network with other interns as well as employees of Nomura. I would have preferred maybe 1 more networking opportunity with employees, as I am not so good at networking whilst at the desk, and the dedicated session is very helpful.

Not really, as most of the time in the office, the employees were very focussed on their work. In the first day (which was an induction/training day) we were shown some of the things offered at Nomura for employees, but in the particular divisions in which I was situated, it didn't seem like they were taking advantage of them.

Yes, I really would, because it gives a very detailed, accurate and instructive overview of what working in specific roles within Nomura (and an investment bank in general) would look like. It was enjoyable and I learnt an enormous amount during the internship, and it has also encouraged me to look for further internships in finance, as I am now confident that this is what I wish to pursue.