UBS insight week- operations Review

I went along to the week with doubts of how good it would be and what the people would be like, but I was so wrong! Most of the talks were really interesting, and were presented to us by important people in the company. The people I met were lovely and its nice to know that I may see some friendly faces in my future internships. There were lots of activities we did in teams that gave us an idea of the business and although they were competitive, it was all in good spirit and I had a laugh. I was so sad when the week ended, and now can't wait for next summer when i hope to do a summer internship.

Firstly UBS put all interns from outside London in a hotel, which was very good quality, and very close to where we were meeting each day. They provided us with breakfast and lunch every day and really went to a lot of effort to make us feel happy, including a bowling social on the first night as an opportunity to get to know everyone (with free alcohol). We were all given the opportunity to shadow an employee one afternoon and it was nice that the employee took time to answer all our questions. My only one problem was I tried to change division for the AC at the end of the week, some people managed it, but a lot of us were unable. UBS said they felt I was more suited to the original division, but after that week, I didn't think that was true and felt I deserved a chance to show it.

I would say they spent the whole week, prepping us for the AC because they wanted us to succeed at it. On top of that, when you spoke to employees they were very honest about how they feel about their department and gave lots of tips about what UBS want from us and how to present that in the interviews.

I think the week has helped me understand what skills to develop during my degree in order to be employable in the future. It has encouraged me to join more societies, to show my social skills which are vital in the IB business. It has also been helpful to meet people my age who are heading into the same business, as we will probably all be starting grad schemes at the same time and it is never too early to network.

We were given a clear timetable at the start of the week, so we always knew what to prepare for. We were given a notebook with all the slides that were used and room to write notes, which seemed very organised. My suggestion would be maybe next year have a social on the Sunday night so people can meet before hand. Some of us in the hotel did this ourselves through Facebook, and it really helped everyone feel comfortable on the first day. Also maybe have more days of shadowing in different areas would be helpful as when people decide their division before the program they don't know enough to decide.

I thought it was a great atmosphere, i always felt at ease and could approach anyone to talk. I think it helped that i stayed in the hotel through as a lot of us would have drinks every night and really got to know each other. But I feel like the people from London felt a bit left out as it was more difficult for them to join in. So maybe it would have helped for UBS to arrange more socials.

There was an opportunity to do a group presentation were we got really good feedback on time management and how to present ourselves. People from the company were constantly giving advice on how to succeed in interviews which was good. I would suggest maybe an opportunity to learn more technical information during the week, as I feel i still don't understand what some parts of the company do.

Since we weren't actually working, it is hard to judge. I think i would understand better in a summer internship. From talking to employees though, i got a good idea of the hours they were and the workload they have.

It was really clear to us that UBS care about their employees and try to encourage them to stay, and promote internal movement not external. We were spoken to about the groups developed by the company for supporting women, other cultures and the LGBT community. As a women, it was nice to speak to other women about there experiences having children while in such a busy industry, and it seemed like UBS really try to support them.

It really helped me understand what division i would like to pursue, as we got an opportunity to hear about all aspects of the company. I also know what sort of investment bank i want to work for, as the cultures all seem fairly different and focus of different things.

UBS gave the opportunity to be reimbursed up to £100 in travel if you lived in the UK as well as providing hotel accomodation. Since it was a spring week and we weren't actually working, it was not paid.

There was a graduate panel where we can ask graduates any questions, as well as speed networking session where employees would come around and talk to our tables. However the most helpful networking opportunity was the work shadowing. During mine i got to speak to my persons team and got great insight into what UBS look for in employees. It would have been helpful to have been able to speak to all divisions during my shadowing.

On the first night there was a bowling social with food and alcohol. It was fun and I made great friends at it. I think it would have helped to have more networking opportunities though as i didn't get many chances to talk to employees one on one.

We were given a talk about the available networks with in the company. As well as being told about the volunteering projects available to employees.

I would recommend it to any of my friends interested in the industry. I found out to be very friendly and really enjoyed the week. I have no comparison to other insights, but i would happily do mine again.