Spring Intern Review

Overall, this insight gave a broad overview of Investment Banking (IB) and Global Markets (GM) at Nomura. On a day-to-day basis there were panel discussions and networking sessions with Nomura employees from these divisions. During these sessions, the interns, through asking specific questions, were able to understand what it is like to work in these divisions and what the work involves. Moreover, breakout rooms were a significant feature of this insight programme. On a regular basis we were put into these rooms with a few fellow interns to discuss a certain topic/case study and then report back to the whole group in the main room. Other tasks included: listening to specific presentations on Investment Banking and Global Markets, an Excel session, and a trading simulation.

I have developed my Excel skills. This was achieved through an Excel Advanced session where I was introduced to new formulas. After a brief introduction, I was then able to practice using these formulas with many examples to improve my knowledge. I have also developed my communication skills. In a virtual environment with many networking sessions, this was the skill I would say I have improved the most. This is because we were encouraged to network and communicate with fellow interns and the Nomura employees themselves to get the most out of the progrmame. I would also say my presentation skills have improved. This is because on the last day we were required to give a 5 minute presentation on a topic of our choice. The aim of this was mainly to do with the feedback we were given to help us improve our presentation skills.

Quite simply, it was amazing. Even though I was going into the programme with 'sufficient' knowledge, I would say the main improvement has been knowing how the different divisions interact and also the departments within each division itself. I didn't realise, for example, investment banking had so many different roles. After realising this, I then adjusted the questions I was asking to the Nomura employees to being more specific to the business roles I was interested in. In terms of the potential roles available, at the end of the programme we were given the summer internship roles that would be available for us to apply to. We were given a brief description on these roles and encouraged to ask questions if we had any confusion about what they entail. Overall, I absolutely loved learning about the business and the potential roles I could find myself applying to in the future!

The best word I could use to describe the company culture is 'inclusive'. From the start, I never felt like I couldn't contribute to what was being discussed, and due to numerous breakout rooms, I actually felt like people truly wanted to hear my opinion and beliefs. This led to a positive collegial atmosphere, even though the programme was online. I would also say it was a very friendly and collaborative culture. Every single Nomura employee I networked with was very happy to help me with any questions I had. Moreover, it was obvious through working in small teams that Nomura value teamwork and collaboration.

I fully enjoyed the insight programme. With it being in a virtual environment, I wasn't sure at first what it would be like. However, it was clear that the hard work the programme directors put into it paid off. Every single session was well planned and executed with the full engagement and effort of everyone involved. The aspects I enjoyed the most include the trading simulation due to the 'buzz' from executing trades, but also the networking sessions. This is because any questions I had about roles I was interested in as well as Nomura in general were answered. Quite simply, I didn't expect the programme to be this good. I would fully recommend it to anyone interested in the world of finance or investment banking. I would also 100% go back if offered the chance.

Yes

I would say show energy in your application. Nomura are interested in people who show a real passion for the job/experience being offered. Moreover, I would prepare examples where you showed you can work in a team as well as your strong communication skills. I would say these two skills are the most important for this programme. This is because you are frequently working in small teams and are required to communicate your opinion and beliefs on the topic in question. Finally, I would suggest keeping up to date with the current financial related news as well as specific Nomura news. Demonstrating an understanding of what is going on in the world of finance can make a huge difference in interview situations. If I was to reapply, I would tell myself to prepare even more questions ahead of the programme! You are given so many opportunities to ask questions to the recruitment team as well as Nomura employees in the Investment Banking and Global Markets divisions.