Global Markets Summer Intern Review

Interacting with my two rotation desks and completing an end of rotation project covering relevant topics. Shadow my desk mates and other business reps on other desks (since as interns we cannot trade or talk to clients, by shadowing we get a feel for the work). Engage in various activities e.g., Market Wrap, Trading Game, Market-Making Game. Network with other interns and business reps.

I have a better understanding of how the financial sector and markets work, and what drives them. I have learned about numerous financial concepts (e.g., options, pricing options, interest rates, inflation, bond yield curves, risk management...) as well as financial products (different types of assets, different services, buy side versus sell side). The top three skills the internship has allowed me to develop are interpersonal skills (how to interact with my colleagues, and how to network in a professional environment), analytical skills (how to understand market information) and learning flexibility (how to adapt to different teaching styles and information to effectively learn new concepts).

I was given adequate responsibility, the biggest of which I would say was time-management.

A lot. At all points I felt as though I had someone to reach out to if I had wither personal or professional concerns, or needed advice on how to navigate challenges. I liked the "buddy," "mentor" and "line manager" contact points provided prior to the internship, which definitely helped adapting to a new work environment as I built more and more connections with time.

Really enjoyed working here and the interactions I had with employees, from ancillary staff, to interns and business reps. Felt very welcomed and supported, with everyone being receptive of comments or questions. As an intern, the learning environment was incredible; Never felt like any question was too "dumb" to ask, or as though my comments did not matter. The horizontal hierarchy relationships between colleagues was also great, being able to interact with junior and seniors.

Would not have been able to make it ten weeks with a 6:30am start if I was not genuinely excited to get into work every morning! I came in not knowing the difference between sales and trading, to being able to read market news and discuss it with my colleagues, as well as propose trade ideas in just ten weeks. The experience inspired me to pursue a career in the industry with the firm.

Yes

As cliché as it sounds, be yourself. At this firm in particular, you are not expected to come in being a "finance genius." What matters is not how much you know, but your intellectual curiosity, "hunger" and your work ethic. Soft skills are just as important as hard skills. Do not be afraid to communicate what is or is not working for you e.g., you are in sales rotation and want to try trading.