This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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The Role
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The Company
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The Culture
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?
- 3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?
- 4. How busy were you on a daily basis?
- 5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?
- 6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?
- 8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?
- 9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 10. What were the perks on your work placement?
- 11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?
- 12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?
- 13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?
- 14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?
- 15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?
The Role
My first placement was a big disappointment. I had no work, the team wasn't interested in me, they did not include me in their daily business. This was very disappointing considering that I had worked 7 years in that area and was more qualified than some of the team members. It was a real waste of time and very boring. They did also not introduce me to anyone, etc. The second rotation was massively different (Equity Derivative Sales). I had a fantastic time there. The people were interested to get to know me, test my knowledge, have me involved in the business and have me contributing. I really enjoyed my time at that desk and learned a lot.
Again, during my first rotation I did not feel valued at all, apart from one person in the team. In my second rotation I felt highly valued and respected.
A fair amount of support - but this was difficult at times due to time pressure and size of team
1st rotation: not busy at all. very boring 2nd rotation: very busy, but still had the time to learn, sit with people and just observe. A perfect balance
1st rotation: No responsibility, not much involvement. I was given 'pro forma' analysis work that nobody was interested in at the end. 2nd rotation: I had little responsibility as it was a trading sales desk. However, the involvement was high
The one week of training was very good. A perfect transission back into professional life. In general, I learned a lot during the internship, also personally
The Company
Generally a good atmosphere - lots of banter. Everyone was nice to us placement students and did not look down to us.
just wrong first placement. I can really not recommend Merrill Lynch to place any interns at that desk. The internship offers the opportunity to find a job, but if you place interns at desks that are not interested in having an intern that becomes pretty frustrating.
excellent first week of training and thereafter continuously speaking sessions
Subsidised Canteen
Healthcare from home
Will have to wait and see - usually placement students are offer jobs.
The Culture
Great scene - someone was always organising drinks and nights out. most of the socialising was sponsored by Merrill Lynch
London is expensive. It is best to share a house or flat to keep this expense to a minimum.
Amazing from what I have heard. I'm not a clubbing person.
Lots of opportunities such as 3 peaks challenge.
Details
London
May 2013