Spring Intern Review

We would usually have presentations or interactive sessions during the day, allowing us to better understand what Rothschild does, their culture, and to meet their people. They set us a group project to be presented at the end of the week, so evenings and afternoon periods later in the week were allocated to working on that team project. Throughout the week they also put on networking sessions, allowing us to get to know our fellow interns and their employees better.

Yes! They put on a really helpful Introduction to Investment Banking session on the first day, which really helped to clarify and extend my financial knowledge. It was particularly insightful for helping towards our end of week project. I think I've also developed better networking skills, a better understand of the divisions in the business and a firmer idea of where I would like to go with my career in the future. In particular, I think my skills regarding professional networking have really been developed and tested - and the week certainly taught me the importance and ease of reaching out for advice among colleagues.

I really enjoyed learning about how Rothschild and Co works. It was very well done - the fact that they seperated different parts of the business into separate presentations and were very open when answering questions meant that we as interns could fully understand a range of services they provide, with the intention that we better understand where we want to be. It was very digestible, and they even included informations on departments that weren't technically involved in the spring week programme - proving that they genuinely cared about finding the best fit for us.

It was noted among the interns how good the company culture was, and even among the group of people selected the positive, friendly attitude that was different from other schemes. Despite the group project initially suggesting a culture of competition, the fact that each team had different companies to focus on and there were no winners proved that the culture was not competitive. We were encouraged to utilise each other, network and build meaningful friendships - to help each other grow and thrive, rather than competing. The knowledge Rothschild and Co gave to us about their diversity and charitable initiatives was notable, and it was a shame we could not see the charity aspect more tangibly, as would have been normally. However, they really emphasised work-life balance and many of their staff noted that this aspect was far better at Rothschild than at comparable firms.

I really enjoyed the insight week. I think it gave me a real flavour of the learning curve and excitement that would come from a career at Rothschild and Co. It was nice that we had a big group project, because it meant that we spent a lot of time getting to know and collaborating with our teams - I'm certain we will stay friends now! It also gave perhaps the best insight into the kind of work that happens at the firm, an opportunity that is rare to gain in such a short period of time. All employees were so willing to answer questions and give advice which was really nice, and I certainly felt that my knowledge and understanding, and quality of the group project, was improved by them! I would love to go back and will certainly be applying for the 2022 Summer Internship to experience and learn even more!

Yes

Be yourself during the interview - listen to the question, and other responses, and think carefully about your answers. Never talk over someone else, and try not to repeat things people have said! I believe it's better to think about your answer rather than trying to be first all the time. I think they really value the diverse range of background and degree disciplines that they recruit, so use that to your advantage. Although I didn't use it during the week, I would still recommend keeping up to date with the FT or other financial news. It gets you in the right mindset for what these people do. If you get on the scheme - utilise your connections! It is something that they emphasis and I know I felt uncomfortable doing it, but everyone is genuinely happy to help and it will really help the project. On the note of the project, start it early! Be confident, be yourself and just fully embrace it!