Jefferies EMEA Next Generation Diversity Symposium Review

From the start to the end, the virtual experience was very enjoyable. It was very informative and did not go overboard with the information, It was easily digestible. The most enjoyable part of the virtual experience were the panels for each section of the bank. The panelists were very informative and honest about their experiences at the bank. They also made an attempt to answer every question asked. The experience was well spaced and timed, making it very easy to sit through during the hours spent.

The fact that Jefferies bought out numerous members of staff to carry out the Next Generation Diversity Symposium highlights how valued Jefferies made me feel. From the beginning to the end and by every presenter and panelist, the culture of the firm was portrayed. The firm has three different diversity groups (JEMs is the one which aligns to me) that make you feel welcomed and at home at the firm. Everyone who spoke was very relatable which I really appreciated too.

The Jefferies Next Generation Diversity Symposium was held for students to learn more about investment banking and the different divisions within the bank; therefore, plenty of guidance was given throughout the internship. After every section, they allocated time for questions that arose during the presentation. This helped to iron out any incorrect concepts or fill in any missing gaps. Moreover, Jefferies utilised Zoom meetings really well. The inclusion of the break rooms and raising hand features made the virtual experience a lot more supportive.

Due to the timing of the event, I had already attended various investment banking introduction events so I already had a sound knowledge of investment banking and the constituent divisions. The Jefferies Next Generation Diversity Symposium helped me understand more about how Jefferies approached diversity and the different initiatives that the firm carries out. The virtual experience would not assist in my degree since I study mechanical engineering but will most definitely help in future career prospects, especially with the knowledge gained about Jefferies.

The virtual experience was very well structured. We were not told the exact structure of the program until the actual virtual experience. Once the virtual experience started, we were given a timetable for the virtual experience which was very well formatted. The bank carried out presentations on three front office roles: Investment Banking, Sales and Trading, and Equity Research. The presentations were well timed and allocated time for questions too. There was also an opportunity for networking with each of the attendees and those who participated in the panel too.

The general atmosphere was hard to tell due to virtual limitations. The hosts of the Jefferies Next Generation Diversity Symposium were very friendly, showed their faces on camera which was also engaging. There was no chat function so it was much harder to interact during the panel sessions and presentations. But they did provide break-out rooms which allowed us to talk to each other, this definitely helped the atmosphere. The virtual experience was always engaging and I never had a reason to lose focus.

Jefferies went above and beyond for the Next Generation Diversity Symposium. For a virtual event, I was impressed at the standard of the event and how it was run. It was clear that Jefferies spent a lot of time planning the event.

The Jefferies Next Generation Diversity Symposium was a unique and special opportunity to learn about investment banking, Jefferies, and its culture so there was no reason to be paid for attendance. The presentations, panel sessions, and networking sessions all contributed to an amazing attempt to showcase Jefferies and its culture. It was a pleasure attending the event and has definitely encouraged me to apply for Jefferies in the future when I come to apply for summer internships.

Answered above.

Prior to this event, I had already attended investment banking insight days and weeks which already built a foundation for investment banking and my future career path. As a result, the content was not that helpful as I had already made up my mind but it served as a good reminder of some technical terminology and an opportunity to ask questions to investment bankers, researchers and traders. I hadn't really looked into research but may consider it now if I can develop the skillset for it.

The Jefferies Next Generation Diversity Symposium was an opportunity to learn about investment banking, Jefferies, and its culture so there was no reason to be paid for attendance. To attend, a short essay and CV had to be submitted which will then be used later in the 'fast-track' process. They aim to provide some students who attended the opportunity to be fast-tracked to the interviews of the summer internship. I originally thought this was for all students but was only for a select few.

It was just an insight into the bank so there were no social opportunities. The team held breakout rooms which enabled participants to network with their peers, the HR team, and workers at the investment bank.

The breakout rooms were very useful. At first, the breakout rooms did not work due to the technology constraints on Zoom meetings but once this was fixed we were given the opportunity to network with peers on the virtual experience, the human resources team, and investment bankers at Jefferies. The network was very useful and helped me build up my network. I was given the chance to ask questions to bankers and get their opinions on current events.

The insight event was about the culture and investment banking at Jefferies. We learned about the different groups you can get involved in at the bank and how you can make changes at the bank too. The event was hosted by three diversity network groups at the bank which highlighted some of the activities too. All the groups provided insightful information about their causes and how you could get involved. If I were to work there, I would definitely partake in the JEMs group.

The virtual experience was invite-only but I would definitely recommend it to a friend.