Virtual Insight Programme Review

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Especially compared to some other virtual experiences I've participated in, it was really well and thoughtfully put together. There were a lot of different elements to the programme, such as panels, information sessions, and case studies. There were also opportunities for networking despite the virtual platform, such as being linked with an analyst buddy at the firm, coffee chats with bankers built into the programme schedule, and time to talk and 'mingle' with other programme participants.

I felt highly valued at the firm, despite just being a spring week/virtual insight programme participant. Again, especially compared to my experiences with other firms, Rothschild & Co kept as very informed every step of the way, including when they decided to make the programme virtual, the structure for the programme, and next steps with further applications after the programme concluded. I felt like the recruiters actually knew me and respected my time and interest even just as a first-year university student.

The guidance and support throughout the virtual experience was always there when we needed it. I think for elements of the experience, such as the final case study group presentation, we were encouraged to do as much as we could independently, without guidance and support, which I didn't mind because I understood that that was an important part of the challenge and assessment. I felt that the recruiters and bankers were all very approachable and that I had people I could reach out to at any time if I had questions or concerns.

As I am a humanities student I wouldn't say that I learned anything on the course that was particularly helpful to my degree studies, but the programme did provide great insight into financial advisory. We were exposed to a range of lines of business which I found very helpful. I particularly enjoyed the M&A case study we went through - although it was quite challenging to keep up with, I found that kind of 'hands-on learning' very helpful and exciting.

The programme was very structured, and well done. There were no periods throughout the day when I didn't have anything to do or wasn't clear on what I was supposed to be getting on with, which was especially impressive given the virtual format. There was even time for working on our group case study presentation built into the schedule, which I really appreciated. I thought the virtual platform and systems they used worked well as well.

I think because the programme was very well planned and there were lots of different elements to it, the atmosphere was very upbeat and everyone seemed really up for it and eager to participate. We were genuinely constantly learning so there was an atmosphere of making the best of the situation. I think as participants we were all really grateful for the efforts the recruiters and bankers had gone to to make the programme happen so we were eager to make the most of it.

One of the highlights of the programme was that many of the sessions were run by full-time bankers at Rothschild & Co, so they were able to provide us with direct insight into what their experiences and daily lives at the firm are like. Indeed, I think it was an emphasis and goal of the programme to make sure we knew what working as a banker at Rothschild would entail, so we could make a better informed and more confident decision if it was a path we were interested in.

I got a really clear understanding and really positive impression of the Rothschild & Co company culture, and from fellow participants I've spoken to I think that was quite common across the board. As soon as I finished the programme I knew that they would be my top choice firm to intern with next summer. I got the impression that as a firm they really value their employees, and also value people from different backgrounds - they're not just looking for banking robots, but rather independent people who are also smart and interested.

There were loads of opportunities for networking and meeting employees. All of the sessions (bar one) were run by recruiters or bankers at the firm, all of whom took questions and were happy to be contacted independently if we had further questions. There were also opportunities for networking such as the buddy chats, coffee chats, and wrap-up sessions at the end of each day and the end of the programme. Despite the virtual platform, I was impressed with the opportunities to meet both employees and fellow participants.

Part of the positive impression of Rothschild & Co I came away with was that the firm values and respects all aspects of their employees' lives, not just their work lives. As part of that, we heard about loads of 'extracurricular' style activities that employees can get involved with through the company. I was particularly drawn to the charity and social work endeavours Rothschild is a part of and employees can take an active part in.

I was thoroughly impressed with my experience on the Rothschild & Co Virtual Insight Programme and would definitely recommend it to a friend. I would encourage anyone who's thinking about it, or anyone who's even remotely interested in financial advisory (particularly M&A), to apply. It was well-organised, and I came away with a really positive impression of the firm and a more positive impression of the industry because I felt really valued by all Rothschild people I came into contact with.