Global Markets Summer Intern Review

Interning on two desks, completing tasks relevant to the asset class and function of the desk on a daily basis whilst collating a project to present at the end of the 4 week rotation. Tasks included making client pipelines, making and updating models, researching different asset classes, markets and firms. There were also a number of information sessions and intern activities throughout the internship, and we were given time to network across the floor.

Yes, I have improved my knowledge on a number of different asset classes whilst enhancing my presenting skills and the ability to pinpoint relevant information within long documents. I have also improved my accounting and technical skills on Excel, looking through financial documents and comprehending them whilst producing an acceptable output for the desk.

Yes, I was given responsibility to make materials to be sent out to the desk, to take minutes of client calls and to update models used by the desk and was able to do this without much restriction but with ample support.

The mentor scheme helped exponentially with support, as well as the buddy system, and I feel like HR were also always available and trying to help us throughout. My first desk was senior heavy and always available to help and try to improve my skills which was invaluable, the second desk not so much but I didn't feel that there was a question I couldn't ask. I think it definitely depends on the quality of your buddy and mentor, but luckily I had really positive experiences.

Great culture from what I saw in terms of creating a culture that promoted learning and taking on responsibility. I think that there were times that people did not have any time for interns, especially on the flow desks, but this is understandable.

I enjoyed my internship a lot, definitely preferred my first desk to my second but I think the opportunity to find out what I enjoy and what I don't was invaluable, and you don't have to spend all day at a desk that isn't suited to you, there are plenty of opportunities to network and find where you do work.

Yes

Choose your desks more strategically in terms of where the most business is, and where there may be headcount, because there were definitely cases where someone has had two desks with no headcount for their graduation date. Network around to find out where there is headcount in an asset class that you like quickly as otherwise you may be slightly wasting time on a desk that can't hire you.