GROW Spring Intern Review

The insight programme is split into mainly three generic divisions, GROW RISE and ADVANCE. And there is also a non-diversity programme called, 'spring into banking'. The insight included various elements, but was mostly aimed to give an overall idea of what an investment bank does. This involves learning about products, or learning about different asset classes. On the other hand, it could be learning some less technicals, but more soft skill side like efficient networking.

Coming from a non-finance background, it was really nice to get exposure to actually technicals behind different products and roles. Through MDA training, Deutsche Bank went much more in depth than other spring weeks and we were able to apply this virtual training element to real life, hands-on experience through desk shadowing. I have also learnt some invaluable soft skills and generally improving my skills of dealing with people through the role play part of the week.

I was very astonished to see the variety of the roles at an investment bank and how broad the financial sector is and the fact there is so much potential and opportunity here for every background - a certain personality is not at all 'better suited' to banking and in the same way, there are no requirements of cultural background or educational background. You are able to embrace your identity and find what role suits you the best

I partcularly enjoyed the DEI session, which stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion because I got to know more about what the firm is proactively doing to make a difference. Furthermore, I got to talk to the different organisations/groups within the bank that brings employee's together whether that is LGBTQ+ or Christianity etc. The general atmosphere was really welcoming, the HR team was very helpful and kind and approachable. Everyone is willing to help and give back to the juniors like us.

I did enjoy the insight because it was a first-time for me for a lot of things - for example, it was my first time being physically on the trading floor and talking to traders, seeing their numerous screens. It was a time when everything kind of came real into the picture for me. I do wish that all 5 days were in person, but a lot of the banks are slowly transitioning still from COVID and prefer hybrid insight weeks.

Yes

I would say make sure you pass the first round of the application process - so this includes CV screening and numerical reasoning tests. These are easy first rounds to get through if your CV is solid and you have practiced your tests. They aren't looking for huge experiences so in your CV and in your telephone interview, try to think of transferrable skills that you might have gone through within university society for example.