Spring Intern Review

I absolutely enjoyed the Insight Programme. Not only did I learn a lot about Rothschild & Co and the financial advisory industry as a whole, but also about workers' wellbeing, teamwork, presentation skills and the unique history of the Rothschild family. The Insight Programme introduced me to the life of an investment banker in London, offering both interactive and informative panels through the best available technology to ensure the best experience. Meeting and interacting with other interns in a multicultural environment was also a major highlight.

The fact that Rothschild & Co went above and beyond during a global pandemic to offer us, mere spring interns, the best experience possible made me feel extremely valued, both professionally and personally. In March everything was so uncertain, and I was definitely worried about my future. When I heard that they were going ahead with the programme virtually, I was filled with excitement. The quality, the level of organisation and the fact that they encouraged us to interact with one another and with their employees made me feel welcomed and relaxed.

We received a lot support and guidance, especially when working on the final project. A lot of learning material was provided and we could participate in interactive sessions with current analysts, an opportunity not only to learn about finance, but also to ask questions about their own personal experience as interns. Finally, it must be noted that the Graduate Recruitment Team at Rothschild & Co is incredible. They made every effort to get to know us better, always replying to our emails, questions and concerns in the most friendly and efficient manner. They also valued our feedback more than anything and made sure we always had someone to talk to.

Up to the Insight Programme most of what I knew about finance I had to learn by myself. University courses are still catching up to the demands of the competitive and ever-changing finance industry. This makes the Insight Programme at Rothschild & Co an indispensable educational experience for any student who is interested in financial advisory. I heard directly from senior bankers about their careers, I spoke to analysts about their day-to-day job at the firm and I learned a great deal about technical finance, as well as broader soft skills, by interacting with other interns and working in teams.

The Insight Programme at Rothschild & Co was extremely well structured. There was a perfect blend of information and interaction. The schedule was vigorously followed, offering a great variety of panels, activities and projects. The technology underpinning the programme worked perfectly and not a single minute was wasted. We always knew what to expect and what to do. The Graduate Team was always very transparent, supportive and organised. The virtual structure also meant that I was able to enjoy all of this from the comfort of my own house thousands of miles away, in Brazil.

I would describe the overall atmosphere as exciting, adventurous, educational and inspirational. The fact that other interns shared my enthusiasm for the firm meant that we were always on the same page and it made us even more curious and engaging. Diving deeper into financial advisory and Rothschild & Co itself was a great adventure for me, something I hadn't experienced before as a student. Moreover, the activities and panels were unique opportunities to expand our knowledge of the financial world. Finally, hearing directly from senior bankers and other employees about the different achievements and challenges of their careers was extremely inspiring.

I believe Rothschild & Co invested heavily in all of us, offering a plethora of activities, courses and panels to make sure we learned as much as possible. Their investment was not only large but also very efficient. Not a single minute was wasted and every item on the schedule improved a different set of skills, each and every one essential for financial advisory. The Insight Programme was instrumental for my personal and professional development.

Being able to interact with bankers from all levels within the firm meant that we had direct access to unique knowledge and information about how it is to work at Rothschild & Co. We analysed some of the firms' past projects as case studies and we learned about the daily routine of an analyst. This was paramount in preparing us for a career in the financial industry, while addressing all the myths and facts about the life of an investment banker in London.

Rothschild & Co's culture of valuing their people as their greatest asset became very clear on the first day. I felt extremely valued as an individual and could not have asked for a more welcoming and friendly culture. Furthermore, learning about the Rothschild archives allowed us to look back 200 years into the past in order to better understand the firm's present and future. This included Rothschild & Co's principles and values and how they shaped the firm's prestigious reputation over the centuries.

The Insight Programme confirmed my desire to work in financial advisory and at Rothschild & Co in particular. I learned about the different divisions within the firm and how they interact with clients and with each other. In the panels, we analysed real world examples of financial advisory projects and asked questions to those directly involved in them. The whole experience was very educational and a proper introduction to the exciting finance scene in London.

The programme was carried out virtually this year due to the pandemic. Normally, however, they would've helped us with accommodation expenses, which is really generous for people like me who don't live in London. Moreover, successfully completing the programme and the assessment centre allows you to be fast-tracked to the summer internship, which is a paid position and the final step before the graduate programme (after you graduate from university). All the programmes are therefore carefully planned so that you can have a smooth and rewarding career path.

There were countless opportunities to meet employees from all levels and divisions within the firm. I met several people and learned so much by asking them questions and by hearing them speak about their own personal trajectories as well as any work they carried out for the firm. Networking was a big part of the programme, not only with employees but also with other interns. Had it not been for the pandemic, Rothschild & Co would've organised proper social events and receptions for the interns.

Even though the programme was virtual, there were many opportunities for networking and socialising, from interactive activities with other interns to panels and discussion forums. I connected with most people on LinkedIn and even met some of them in person when I returned to the UK at the end of the summer. The Insight Programme opens many doors and is the perfect bridge between student life and the professional environment. I've always believed that you can learn much more with other people than just by yourself.

Yes, we learned about Rothschild & Co's many charity projects as well as a variety of sports events and several other activities. The firm's 200-year-old history means that it plays a pivotal role in the community. There are many activities for employees to get involved in outside of the work environment and to make a difference. They emphasised the importance of looking beyond the office and engaging with people from all backgrounds. I believe this is essential for any 21st century professional.

I would absolutely recommend this Insight Programme. Rothschild & Co is an amazing company with an inclusive culture and friendly employees. The programme is the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the firm and the industry, while learning everything from technical finance to teamwork and networking skills. The interns come from a variety of backgrounds and the programme is really well structured. The Graduate Team is incredibly supportive and the learning environment is ideal for any passionate student, no matter the academic background.