Spring Insight Participant Review

The programme was a fantastic opportunity to find out more about the industry, Bank of America specifically and the several divisions within the bank. From the division specific work shadowing to the networking events, the week was full of exciting events each helping to develop our skills and understanding.

Throughout the whole week it was very clear how invested the recruitment team and everyone at the bank we had the pleasure of meeting was in the programme. On the first day we were welcomed to the insight week by the president of EMEA. For two days in the week we had the chance to work shadow in two of our divisional preferences which meant we met several business representatives who were very willing to answer any questions we had about the bank, division and their role specifically. There were also several opportunities every day to network with business representatives from other divisions all willing to answer any questions we had at a later date via email.

The support and guidance was incredible throughout the week. The campus recruitment team were always there to answer any questions or help with any problems we might of had. During one of the work shadowing days I had the chance to sit on the trading floor with a technology graduate finding out specifically about his recent projects - this gave me incredible exposure and insight into the industry and the technology division.

Coming from a non-financial background, the insight week has helped me to understand what an investment bank is and has provided me with a real understanding of the divisions within the bank. A presentation skills session from a comedian really helped to develop the soft skills that are essential in the work place. With several opportunities to network with business representatives every day it was also clear how important communication is.

It was clear that each day had been planned very carefully to ensure it was full of exciting and relevant events which gave us the best exposure to the bank. A handbook was given at the beginning which contained a detailed schedule of the week as well as maps to find the buildings in St. Pauls and Canary Wharf. The recruitment team were also on hand to provide information about each day and direct us to each event.

Every insight student was very friendly and approachable; keen to find out about your divisional preferences and life at university. I never felt as if people were rude or acting irresponsibly during the week. Everyone was keen to be involved and the ice breaker exercise and creative thinking exercise really gave us a chance to bond with people who had chosen other divisional preferences to your own.

There was a huge focus on developing our soft skills including presenting and communicating as well as improving our understanding of the divisions with the bank. The presentations provided in depth information on the divisions and I also had the chance to take part in case study exercises and a creative thinking session to help stimulate ideas using both the left and right side of our brain. For each division one of the main emphasis was that regardless of the degree you are studying there is an area of the bank that you can match your skills with.

The week was excellent in allowing us to gain an insight into the bank however the focus was not on what it would be like to have a full-time role more to prepare us for a summer internship.

Every business representative really focused on how outstanding the culture within the bank is compared to other key competitors. They also stressed at how no question was a stupid question and how there is much potential to move between divisions and take on more responsibility.

The week has shown that I shouldn't only consider a career in my degree specialism but that there is a vast array of opportunities within the financial services and specifically within Bank of America Merrill Lynch. As a result I will be applying for the summer internship.

I was provided accommodation in central London being only a short walk from the St. Pauls office. I was also reimbursed on travel during my week and getting to and from London.

There were several opportunities for networking every day - at breakfast, lunch and dinner. There were also roundtable networking sessions in the day specific to your division.

The networking events were excellent with business representatives ranging from analysts to vice presidents to directors meaning I had the chance to speak to a range of people and hear about their different experiences. The networking dinner was fantastic as representatives were rotated after every course to allow students to talk to a number different people. This was also a special occasion to make friends and connect with some of the brightest students from over 30 different universities.

On Thursday morning representatives from LGBT+ and LEAD for women, two of the groups that one could get involved in outside of work, explained about the opportunities and activities organised. We also learnt about the bank's corporate social responsibility programme which anyone working at the bank globally can get involved with.

I would definitely recommend this insight to a friend, it was a fantastic opportunity!