Women's Immersion Program - Corporate Infrastructure Review

Everyone was really nice and willing to answer any questions I had. We were given a lot of independence especially when desk shadowing and organising meetings with senior colleagues which made us really feel a part of the firm and get a vibe for what it would be like to work there.

Over the 2-weeks we desk shadowed a team from our preferred division, however, when there weren't workshops/exercises organised for us by HR, there wasn't a lot to do apart from network. So there were times during the placement where I had little to do and I didn't feel that useful.

I felt very supported - everyone was really nice and willing to help and have a conversation. The guidance given was limited in terms of what to do at my desk. It was very much up to us to network and find things to do which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

The skills developed will definitely help me when it comes to applying for internships as I'll have a lot to talk about. I've also learnt the importance of Excel - using shortcuts where you can and being accurate. Also I feel I have developed professionally and am better able to network with senior colleagues.

The sessions organised by human resources were very well structured. We had access to a calendar email where we could see these sessions and we could add our own meetings with colleagues in our planners to stay organised. However, as there were 2 other Spring programmes taking place at the same time, there were numerous last minute changes to our diaries. Also, as I wasn't given much to do by my team/desk, if there weren't any sessions organised by HR that day I had very little to do.

Much more relaxed than I expected. Everyone was really friendly and open.

At the end of the first week we took part in a 3-4 hour Debate Mate session where an external company came in to build our confidence in public speaking. The speakers were extremely engaging and encouraging - by the end we had all improved significantly and it was my favourite part of the week.

We were given a large amount of independence - our own entry passes, desk etc. so we had access to the same facilities as the other employees and weren't treated any differently. I also attended meetings with my team to see what they were like. From what I know, other Spring programmes which don't involve desk shadowing don't give you an understanding of what it would be like to work there as you are seated away from other employees and sit through lectures or complete unrealistic group exercises.

By desk shadowing, you are able to speak to a wider range of people in a professional environment and directly see what people's roles are on a day to day basis. Due to this, we could see for ourselves what the office vibe was like at Nomura - everyone was really nice and friendly. The atmosphere was more relaxed than I had expected.

I spoke to a wide range of people in different divisions to understand where my interests best aligned. This was extremely useful as we were able to gain a well rounded insight as we heard the pros and cons of each role from different perspectives. Speaking to employees over coffee or at their desk meant we heard a less biased view whereas employees who gave prepared presentations may have not told us the potential negatives of their roles.

Thursday drinks on the terrace overlooking the Shard and the Thames is a weekly occurrence for the employees at Nomura. The programme included numerous networking lunches and after work drinks with not only other employees but also the other Spring interns on the Explore program.

Extra courses online e.g. Japanese cultural awareness. Clubs/societies/social events - team charity runs or the Women in Nomura network.