Spring Insight Week 2020 Review

I really enjoyed the spring insight programme. It was online given the circumstances but we were able to get a good view of Bank of America as a business, global reach and awards. We were then able to look into the different divisions of the firm, including investment banking and markets.

Despite this spring insight programme being online, I did feel valued at the company. We were able to listen to presentations from senior management of the business. At the end of each presentation, we were able to ask questions in the chat. I really liked this as it meant that our questions got answered.

We got a decent amount of guidance/support. Obviously it was online but we were able to have a Q&A with a wide variety of analysts from the firm, from all divisions. At the end of the two days we had the choice to attend a fast track assessment centre and connect with a buddy.

This did not assist in my degree studies as no skill sessions were provided due to the shortened online nature of the insight programme. However, the analyst Q&A gave great information on the skills needed to succeed on an internship and on the job. This has assisted me to look to the future.

The insight was very well structured - with a timetable sent in advance giving us clear start and finishing times. This meant that we were all able to go online on time. However, the sessions did delay ever so slightly but that is to be expected when lots of questions are asked.

The general atmosphere of the insight was very good given the nature of this programme. When presentations ended, lots of questions were asked, with many of us interested in all the presentations. Everyone presenting were friendly, helpful and genuine. This followed through during the Q&A analyst panel, where more informal questions were asked.

Given this was online and reduced to two days due to COVID-19, the company could not invest in our personal training as much as they wanted. However, there are plans for optional soft skills sessions planned for every month. Soft skills are often seen as the most important, even more so than technical skills.

The insight gave us a great overview of what it is like to have a full time role with the company, in all the divisions. In particular, we could see the daily day to day work of employees and recent deals they have completed. The Q&A further clarified how life is for analysts.

The insight gave us a great understanding of the company culture. We were told about the guiding principles of the firm, the vast awards the firm has won, vast global operations and how we can give back to society. This involves working with charities and even the possibility of volunteering abroad.

The content was very valuable in helping us decide my future career path. I was able to see whether Bank of America is right for me, and more specifically, what division I could see myself working in and what division best matches my skills. Seeing the day to day work of employees confirmed this.

This insight programme was not paid for. I was also not reimbursed expenses because it was online - and I had no expenses. However, if the programme went ahead at the Bank of America office in London, reasonable travel expenses would be provided for trains, tube and airplanes if necessary.

As this was an online programme due to COVID-19, there were no opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of Bank of America. However, if this event went in person, there would definitely be these opportunities. We were however given an analyst Q&A session and given a buddy which was good.

Given the circumstances and unprecedented nature of the world in 2020, there were no in person networking or social event opportunities for obvious reasons. However, we were able to ask lots of questions throughout the presentations, and had the opportunity to ask more informal questions to analysts during the Q&A session.

We got a great insight into the activities that employees get involved in outside of work. This ranges from sport, to learning a language every two weeks or so and networking sessions/nights. This is good to meet other people of the firm from divisions you do not normally interact with.

I would absolutely recommend this insight programme to a friend. Bank of America is a top bank and has a very good culture and the insight programme gave us an amazing insight into the work involved and how we can give back as part of the firm. It has strengthened my commitment to pursue a career at this bank.