Spring Insight Week - Technology Review

The week was thoroughly enjoyable; there was a large range of presentations across every line of business and a number of activities to engage us and test our skills and knowledge.

HR were ever friendly and dealt with any minor issues anyone had. The other employees who were present for networking events and question panels were similarly engaged; they seemed genuinely happy to answer any questions we had and give insight into the business.

For a number of the activities each group was allocated an employee to supervise and advise us, but often we were left to our own devices in order to force us to think for ourselves.

There was a heavy emphasis on presentation skills, so that's something I will definitely take away. We also had talks on lateral thinking and analytic abilities. However a lot of the week was simply presentations on what the bank does, so there was little to take from them in terms of skills.

The entire week was timetabled, and was individually designed so each person could spend most time in the line of business which interested them the most.

The tone was certainly professional, aside from a few quirky employees we were treated like adults, and it was clear that they wanted to push us and evaluate how we responded to it. However, it was still always friendly and never intimidating.

The internship scheme is obviously a huge priority for Bank of America Merrill Lynch; aside from simply telling us facts and how the banks work, they wanted to develop our networking experience, our presentation skills and inspire to think laterally.

As mentioned, this was the main point of the networking sessions. Everyone was more than happy to talk openly about their careers; benefits, working hours, holiday etc.

Since the bank has such a friendly ethos they are always keen to promote it, and they did so very well.

I am a lot more convinced of my suitability to the industry, but obviously other options are still open.

All travel expenses are paid for, and breakfast and lunch provided every day.

Literally every lunch time, as well as various question panels.

There were so many that by the end it was a little unnecessary, we had all already spoken to all of the people there.

The was a session devoted to the various employee networks.

Whatever your knowledge of the industry this week is very useful. Provided you commit yourself completely, you will gain a lot of information, skills and contacts.