First Step Year 13 Programme at Nomura Review

The insight day was very enjoyable. I met many other like minded people who I am still in contact with, explored different opportunities that are available to further my career and I also learnt more about the firm as there was always an opportunity to ask questions. Overall the event was great fun but I just wish it lasted longer.

There definitely was the feeling that the company had invested in us, not only investing their resources but also their time. The employees took time off of their jobs to give presentations and answered our questions attentively. We also received lots of information for applying to spring insights and I personally felt that they wanted us to do well and succeed. However, the event felt like you are competing and need to be better than those around you to get noticed. Those that are not used to this environment could feel a bit out of place.

There was definitely a lot of guidance. We received information about different careers within Nomura (like Global Markets, Fixed Income etc) and there was also sessions about applying to Spring Weeks, writing CVs and tips for doing well in interviews. One thing which I greatly appreciated was that they provided a session where they taught us about networking (what exactly is networking, why do it, what not to do, how to do it well, etc) which is something other similar programs didn't do although networking is very important.

I definitely think we learnt a lot in regards to what would help us in the future of our careers. For example, we learnt about different placements available to us, how to tackle interviews, what good CVs look like, etc. The group work at the end of the day allowed us to experience what a typical assessment centre group activity is like which is what people are usually nervous about so it's nice to have some experience before university. However, I don't see the programme as being relevant to my degree apart from the group work.

The different panels and presentations lasted long enough for the information to be there. There was also a variety of topics that they chose, some of which I have already mentioned above. Overall I think they did great but it would have been nice for it to last a bit longer and also if they had given us a bit more time to eat before the employees showed up for networking at lunch.

The atmosphere was generally very nice. The hosts were supportive and attentive, always answering any questions that we had. The people who took part in the programme were also great fun to be around and they were also supportive and kind. Because of this, the group activity at the end went really well. There was a bit of a competitive undertone throughout, but not a negative one. People were just trying to do their best as everyone here was exploring the thought of going into banking. Because of this, however, I was apprehensive in asking some questions as I thought they might be seen as stupid or unnecessary. The hosts did encourage everyone to ask any questions they might have (within reason - not overly sensitive or about salaries, etc.).

I didn't really feel that they invested that much. They gave us a lot of information about investment banking in general, about their company and the careers there and about applying for jobs (CVs, interviews, application stages, the importance of networking and LinkedIn). However, we were given feedback after the group activity and from this I wrote how I can improve. As this was a one day event, I don't really fault them from not being able to invest in us properly in terms of personal training and development.

We were able to speak to many employees from different departments and of different positions. They all spoke in depth about what they do, what a typical day in their life is like, the opportunities made available to them by the company and so on. There was also always time for any questions to be asked.

Unfortunately I don't have a great understanding of the company culture even after the event. I learnt about what sort of activities are available that employees can do and that many people go hang out after the work day is done etc. Company values can be found online on their website.

As there was an abundance of different people from different positions, I learnt a lot about different careers in finance. From this information I could tell what I was interested in and will want to look into further in the future. I really liked the fact that the employees were very enthusiastic about what they do and that they could also explain the projects they work on to us, who don't entirely understand the terminology they use, so that we could properly understand. The day made me certain that I want to continue with a career in finance.

I didn't apply to be reimbursed but you could apply. From what I could remember, the company didn't reimburse the prices of taking the London underground or other TfL services or taxis. If you were from outside of London like myself then you could apply for reimbursement of your train/coach ticket (within reason).

The day was filled with networking. From when we first get there and enter the building all the way until we leave the building. We networked amongst us all (all the people who applied for the program) and the lunch was also used for networking purposes. There was also a speed networking session where different employees rotated from table to table.

At first I was a bit nervous as the term 'networking' was daunting but you get used to it and it's a chance to really ask your questions and get to know more about the firm. There was also a session which I have mentioned before where they gave us dos and don'ts and made the whole aspect less daunting.

Yes. There is a variety of things that employees can get involved in outside of work. I can't remember exactly what but some of the things mentioned was: there is a gym, barbeque(if my memory is right) on the terrace sometimes, annual events etc. If enough people wanted to, they could actually make a society like thing for an interest or hobby.

Yes, definitely. Unfortunately in my area there aren't many people interested in investment banking and in my group of friends there aren't many people want to go into finance. However, if I knew people who did then they should definitely consider this insight program because it's very informative and prepares you for networking events. It was also a great chance to meet like minded students who I have connected with on LinkedIn.