Investments Analyst- Summer Intern Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my summer internship at M&G. I interned within the Restructuring and Debt solutions team which provided me with exposure to scenarios and work streams I had previously never covered. I had not anticipated working within this team prior to the internship but I am certainly glad I did, it allowed me to gain experience across restructuring and understand the mechanics and though processes that drive these activities, alongside working with Debt funds where I was able to perform frequent credit analysis. The exposure to what normally would be two separate jobs, as my core mandate allowed me to learn a lot in a short space of time.

I felt valued by my colleagues continuously throughout the internship. My team had a flat hierarchy, and from the start I was always encouraged to have a view on a topic and to always communicate this to my team. The fact that they encouraged highlighted their appreciation of my input. Moreover, daily calls with my managers allowed me to participate in debates and better understand certain technical factors with ease. The most significant factor that made me feel valued by my colleagues was that whenever I dialled in to meetings with external clients, participated in interviews with key individuals or shared my view on a case with external stakeholders, I was always introduced as a "colleague" and never the "intern" by my managers.

I was given daily support by management. We had almost daily check-ins that included updates on workstreams, any questions I had and then also going beyond that, just having general discussions about anything and everything! Throughout the experience my managers were always happy to help me and always made time to jump on a call with me which I greatly appreciated. Simply put, whatever I needed support/guidance with I was able to get through my managers or also other team members who were always happy to help.

I was busy on a daily basis. My managers always ensured that I had enough work to keep me challenged and occupied yet ensured the work set matched capacity. I tended to work longer hours than the required 9-5 but that was a result of additional reading and research to gain further insight on the industries my role required me to work on. My managers also made sure I was doing work that I actually joined and took my feedback at the end of the week as to what I enjoyed which then informed my next tasks.

I feel that I was given significant responsibility on my main workstreams. I was able to see my credit analysis/research support decision making and stimulate further discussions and considerations. With my main work stream I was given a lot of responsibility which led me to arrange and participate in discussions with industry experts to inform current business activities.

As a recent graduate, the skills and experience gained at M&G i believe have constructed the foundations for my future career. The exposure to clients and engagement with important stakeholders is something that clearly cannot be replicated in a University environment. Getting this exposure to external colleagues advanced my soft skills, whilst my technical capabilities developed through internal work and support from my team mates and the wider graduate cohort.

It was a virtual internship so I cannot comment on the "office" per se, however the team made me feel as welcomed as possible under the circumstances. Everyone was always enthusiastic, happy to help and clearly enjoyed their lines of work. This made me feel positive about the prospect of working here full time in the future.

It was well organised, with weekly check ins with HR and socials organised with both the interns and current graduate cohort.

The firm provided mandatory training for all interns to support our development in terms of understanding the internal procedures of a corporate environment. In terms of personal training and development, this just came through on the job work and feedback from my management and other team members. I think the amount of training given was the maximum possible under the current circumstances.

They are very appealing. The graduate scheme allows its cohort to rotate through various divisions, which is something I want to experience as I want to get exposure to as many divisions as possible at an early stage in my career. Also, every graduate i spoke to, painted M&G in such a good light, it would be hard to not want to return.

Weekly socials were organised across the virtual cohort. From drinks socials, to breakout rooms, a pub quiz. The social side was as good as it could have been.

Working from home. Not applicable.

N/A

Only our socials amongst interns as due to COVID related restrictions, we all worked from home.