This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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About You
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The Company
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Everything Else
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
- 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
- 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 5. How well structured was the insight?
- 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
- 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
- 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
- 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
- 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
- 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
- 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
- 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
- 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
About You
Very well organised and ran. There were a wide variety of workshops and talks mixed with social events and networking. A very balanced and beneficial experience. The work shadowing was particularly useful as it afforded the opportunity to question real developers on what it is like to work for J.P. Morgan. There were workshops and competitions that were constantly engaging our group and fostered an atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration.
On the whole I felt valued during my time at the company. Employees were open and very willing to discuss their thoughts on their working life as well as provide feedback. One particular event offered quite harsh feedback, although I think that this was on purpose. Never the less it could have been reigned in a little.
A lot of guidance and support was offered. Mentors were available throughout the challenges to provide support. There were several talks aimed at guidance including things like developing your personal brand. There were opportunities for more personalised guidance during the work shadowing as this was typically done in pairs and so allows easier flow of conversation.
The insight week was excellent and helping to develop team working skills and this is something I believe will be of benefit to me though the rest of my studies and beyond as it is crucial in my chosen field of study. It was also useful in teaching me the value of self reflection which is something I will carry forward from the experience.
The Company
The insight week was extremely well structured. The schedule was laid out in advance and adhered to throughout the week. Talks, challenges and workshops all ran to schedule and were as described. Lunch and refreshments were provided at appropriate times. Talks tended to flow together quite well with very few exceptions. Overall extremely well structured and very well organised.
Atmosphere was a little bit of a mixed bag. Many of the events were engaging, fun and exciting. A few were a bit on the dull side. However it has to be recognised that not everyone will be interested in everything so this is to be expected. Overall I would say that the atmosphere was fun in about 3/4 of the events offered and some were a lot of fun (thanks robocode!)
There was a very high level of investment in the event, both in terms of time and other assets. Many high profile employees took the time to talk with us and plenty of equipment was provided to compete in the challenges and take part in the workshop. Lunch and refreshments were provided and prizes were given out. The materials presented to us were also of a very high quality. Definitely a huge amount of investment in this event.
Definitely a good window into experiencing life at J.P. Morgan. We got a lot of varied opinions on questions asked. The work shadowing didn't involve watching any work take place so this could have been improved in order to gain more insight on the day to day activities of the employees. Work shadowing ended up being more of a one to one Q&A session.
The insight week was great an conveying the company culture at J.P. Morgan. This was one of the things I enjoyed the most and really did sell the idea of working at J.P Morgan to me personally. The companies focus on learning and self development is something that look for in a prospective employer and J.P. Morgan ticks all the boxes in this regard.
This is rated 5 only because I had already decided on my ideal future career path in advance on the insight week. I imagine that if I had not already decided, then the content would be extremely useful in deciding whether or not a career in technology within the financial sector would be a good fit.
Everything Else
This is an unpaid event. I already live near to the offices so I did not claim any travel expenses, although I know others did therefore travel expenses are reimbursed if required. Accommodation and meal allowances were provided to those who travelled from further afield. Social and networking events were provided where food and drink was available.
There was a tonne of networking opportunity available to us. Many chances to talk to employees both in a one on one setting and as a group or as a talk the the entire room. There were also specific networking evenings and lunches available as well as social events that we attended.
Networking events were organised well with a variety of employees there, even some employees that were very high up in the company. Plenty of time was afforded for these events and networking hints and tips were offered in advance to help us get the most out of these events. They really helped me to develop my people skills.
There was a large focus on activities that employees can get involved in outside of work. A large talk on the various groups within the organisation as well as talks on the various charitable initiatives that the company gives in employees time to take part in. There were also people who talked a little about hobbies they had outside of work.
I would absolutely recommend this insight week to a friend. It was well organised, insightful and informative. It taught me team working skills within a technical context and allowed me to really gain an appreciation for what it is like to work in a technical role within a financial organisation.
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Scotland
April 2019