Spring Intern Review

by Royal Bank of Canada

This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.

Rating

4.6/5
  • About You
    4.5
  • The Company
    4.8
  • Everything Else
    4.4

    About You

  • 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
  • Yes the case study was challenging. And the trading game was pretty intense. But I would call these challenges not struggles. Unlike other placements, RBC actually took the time to engage us. Also, there were managing directors speaking to us. But the presentations were kept concise. And at the networking after it was a really good ratio of students to employees.

    5/5

  • 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
  • Not sure if this is relevant. But I mean yes treated well etc.. Could have been a nicer room though (no windows to the outside ;)). We were touring a lot of the time though so it didn't matter too much.

    4/5

  • 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
  • Great number of staff. Clear manuals in terms of what the day involved, who people were etc..

    5/5

  • 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
  • Learned how trading can be crazy and no matter how damn smart you are, trading is different and can be irrational. Also one of the employees gave me really great insight on markets vs. investment banking. Gave me the chance to seriously consider which one was best for me.

    5/5

    The Company

  • 5. How well structured was the insight?
  • Yes it was well structured. The only thing is maybe the lunch could have had a little more time. Didn't really matter though.

    5/5

  • 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
  • Engaging. And the employees at RBC seemed to be nice people having fun. But at the same time running one of the best capitalized most conservative banks that manages to grow steadily. Ballin'!

    5/5

  • 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
  • Again, good ratio of employees to students. Well run and thoughtful trading game and case study. Maybe the food could have been more expensive and there could have been abider variety of drinks at lunch. Really fine though haha. For all the important things great investment. To be fair though the placement was only one day so keep in mind its a shorter placement.

    5/5

  • 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
  • Yes! Unlike the other placement I did, RBC employees were very honest about their experiences. They didn't just paint a "rosy" picture of the firm to attract you. But honest is all RBC needs to be, because they are a well-run organization.

    5/5

  • 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
  • Toured the office, met the employees. Understood it is conservative and growing and wants to retain a profitable business rather than just being massive. Maybe if there was just a little bit more background of the history of the company that would have helped? Also a good thing which was evident is that it is friendly and a good culture to work in because its expanding, not axing its employees.

    5/5

  • 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
  • Again, talked to the employees this really helped. Learned about markets vs investment banking. Also saw the firm and it would be a nice place to work.

    5/5

    Everything Else

  • 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
  • I didn't actually have any expenses (well except the tube) but yes they expense up to 100 pounds which is very good.


  • 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
  • Yes. Friendly and approachable. And networking session at the end. Anything from young trader to MD.

    5/5

  • 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
  • Employees stayed well pas the end of the day. Ended at 5:30 officially but some stayed until 6:30. Many of them seemed like they really wanted to help. It was good.

    5/5

  • 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
  • umm...no. But like what does that mean haha? One MD joked that the young people go to the gym too much which is why they have to stay in the office later... I mean come on being an investment banker you don't have a ton of stuff to do outside of work. I don't really care. I'm sure they have socials. Oh ya there was a pub or bar in the bottom of their office I think.

    3/5

  • 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
  • Yes. It is a great use of your time. Also you meet other great insight candidates. There were people from all the top schools. Also they were friendly. BUT THEY GENERALLY WEREN'T TRYING TO OUTSHINE YOU! Unlike my other placement where people were trying to be the "best team player", here people were actually working together!

    5/5

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Details

Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)

Investment Banking

London

April 2014


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