Software Developer Summer Intern Review

I worked on completing Jira tickets, which often included developing new functionality and creating proof of concepts. I attended stand-up meetings every day and participated in code reviews with my team. Bug fixing is also a significant part of my responsibilities. Additionally, I collaborated with other departments, both on the tech side and business side to ensure our software met their requirements. Testing is an integral part of my work to maintain code quality to ensure minimal production errors.

I have improved my technical abilities, particularly in unit testing, by integrating test code into the main production branch. My business knowledge has expanded, giving me a better understanding of our industry. I have also gained experience in modernization and addressing obsolescence issues. Networking across the business has broadened my professional connections. I have also honed my troubleshooting abilities by assisting colleagues with technical issues. I have to give a presentation at the end of my internship improving my public speaking skills.

I was entrusted with significant responsibility, which I found both challenging and rewarding. I was assigned three major projects, each of which made a direct and meaningful contribution to the teams objectives. Having expressed my desire for substantial responsibility to my manager prior to joining, I was able to hit the ground running from day one. I found that there was ample opportunity to take on as much responsibility as I desired, provided I maintained transparent communication throughout.

I received a positive and supportive experience overall. While my manager and other senior team members were often busy, I was fortunate to have a dedicated buddy and mentor who were incredibly helpful. We had multiple check-in meetings each week, ensuring I was on track and had the guidance I needed. Additionally, there was always a network of supportive colleagues available when I needed assistance. This setup helped me navigate challenges and provided a strong support system for my growth and learning.

The company culture at Nomura was exceptional. HR organized frequent intern and placement socials, fostering connections across departments. Various societies, like rock climbing, were popular among interns, promoting work-life balance. Nomuras Japanese heritage added a unique, enriching dimension to the culture. Impressively, I had over 30 coffee chats in just 8 weeks, showcasing the companys supportive nature. This openness, combined with regular activities and the blend of Eastern and Western practices, created a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere which I have heard is much better compared to Tech divisions in other Investment Banks.

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship at Nomura. The technical learning and contribution to the desk were the most important aspects for me, and in this regard, they delivered. Despite the brief 9-week duration, I was consistently engaged with meaningful work that provided valuable learning experiences. While I could not expect a massive project in such a short time, the tasks I was given kept me sufficiently busy and satisfied with my professional growth. The internship struck an ideal balance between challenge and support, making it an incredibly rewarding experience.

Yes

When applying to Nomura, remember that soft skills are just as vital as technical abilities. Understand Nomuras unique culture. Highlight extracurricular activities on your CV to demonstrate well-roundedness. For software roles, showcase personal projects and an active GitHub profile. During interviews, be prepared to discuss technical topics in-depth, showing passion and thoughtfulness. Articulate your knowledge and interest in finance and technology. Nomura values candidates who can contribute both professionally and culturally to their diverse, collaborative environment.