Spring Week Intern Review

All in all, the spring week was a very enjoyable programme. It was varied in content, very informative and there were plenty of opportunities to meet people working at the bank. Many of the activities were done in groups, meaning that we got to know the other interns very quickly as well. The environment was very friendly.

I felt valued as a potential applicant for a position at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Everyone was very forthcoming with information and were happy to answer any questions that was asked. Most people were very enthusiastic when talking about their job. We were given presentation exercises and a few workshops to help us develop our skills and a lot of money was invested into accommodation and travel expenses.

There was always someone there to ask for help if you were lost or didn’t know what you should be doing. There was initially a bit of confusion as to where we would be located, as there was not much information in the handout, but we were guided to our places so there was no real problem.

We were given presentation exercises and a few workshops to help us develop our skills, something that would help in future work situations. There was nothing related to my course, coming from a scientific background. However, the experience was very valuable to gain an understanding of how a bank operates, and has furthered my interest in a career in the city.

The insight week was very well structured. Whilst initial, there was some confusion about what would be happening during the week, the actual events themselves were very well thought out and planned. There were initial introductions at the start, with some opening presentation explain the overall workings of a bank. The first day also included welcome drinks which were great to meet more people. From then on each day had a programmed planned around the divisional choices that we made during the application.

The general atmosphere was great. Everyone was very forthcoming with information and were happy to answer any questions that was asked. Most people were very enthusiastic when talking about their job. There were occasions when people were slightly colder, or seemed bored, but not often.

There was not much personal development other than a few presentation exercises. These were very effective however and developed our team work and presentation technique. A talk at the start on how to present was very informative but also relied on a slightly motivational aspect, which was helpful but not something where I felt I learnt a lot.

All the activities were structured around understanding exactly the type of work and the work environment in a bank. I now understand what differentiates each division and how these divisions work together to help clients with their financial needs. There were case studies to emulate the work a division does as well as opportunities to shadow workers in markets and trading.

The company culture, focussing on team work and diversity, was demonstrated initially demonstrated by the huge variety of people attending the spring week from all over the world. There were lots of mentions of the culture at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and specific networking events to meet people leading the efforts for inclusion internally.

All the activities were structured around understanding exactly the type of work and the work environment in a bank. The company culture, focussing on team work and diversity, was demonstrated very well. The development opportunities within the company and the ability to move between divisons was explained well.

I was reimbursed expenses

There were plenty of opportunities to meet employees of the bank. The first day also included welcome drinks which were great to meet more people. Everyone was very forthcoming with information and were happy to answer any questions that was asked. Most people were very enthusiastic when talking about their job.

There were plenty of opportunities to meet employees of the bank. The first day also included welcome drinks which were great to meet more people. There was a dinner which was great to meet more people. It was very work focussed though, so it was harder to find out about employees outside their work.

Most conversations were very work focussed, so it was harder to find out about employees outside their work. There was mention of charitable activities undertaken by employees, such as working on boards of different charities. Its good to hear that many people engage so actively with it but there was not much conversation in terms of personal life.

I would definitely recommend this insight week to a friend, it was an intense experience but one which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was invaluable in helping me make my career choices for the future and really get a feel for the kinds of jobs in a bank.