Technology Placement Review

I was able to learn a lot about how technology is used in the financial sector and in the enterprise. Working in Technology at Nomura gave me exposure to many different technologies that you would not get the chance to use in a small company or at university.

I got on very well with my colleagues and still keep in contact with them. We often went out for lunch and drinks together.

My supervisors helped me if I struggled to understand a concept or a piece of technology at work, but often I managed to complete this with little guidance myself. Colleagues were often happy to show me the technologies they looked after.

I was often kept busy but during quiet times you can learn more about the technologies you are using by sitting down with colleagues or carrying out further research on the internet. Nomura also has an online learning system that you can use to learn more about finance.

I was given a good amount of responsibility while at Nomura, although sometimes I felt that I could have taken on more.

I learnt a lot about enterprise technologies and how they are used in the real world. This knowledge is not often taught in a degree program. I also learnt about finance and developed my soft skills over the year. I definitely feel that I have a large advantage over a graduate with no real life experience in technology.

The atmosphere was often good, however this did suffer when Nomura began cost cutting.

The HR team at Nomura are the best I have ever dealt with. They always answer questions promptly and I heard back very soon after each stage of the interview process. The HR team also put on a number of intern events to help you get to know each other.

Money was spent on an initial finance course but I was not put on any external courses. I would imagine this would be different if you went into a graduate scheme instead of a placement.

Interns went out to pubs/clubs in London. Went for drinks/meals with colleagues on Thursday nights also.

Its London - expect it to be very good but expensive.

The pubs are great in the city and there are great bar/clubs in Leicester square and other locations. Again, don't expect these to be cheap!

There were a variety of clubs and other events such as 5-a-side football.