Spring Insight Review

A very enjoyable week with a range of activities including presentations, group activities, networking opportunities and work shadowing. Other attendees were also a pleasure to work with.

All members of the bank were willing to answer questions as well as spare extra time out of their day, of their own volition, for work shadowing. All personnel I met in the different departments were very welcoming,

The activities were generally organised so additional guidance was not required. When needed for specific reasons help was quickly on hand however. Presentational and networking skill development was also part of the week.

We received a great amount of information relating to banking, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch specifically, and this will continue to be a great resource for considering future career paths within the bank and the industry. The week offered a number of opportunities to develop teamwork with various groups of students also on the program, as well as chance to networking with a range of business representatives from analysts to directors.

The insight was very structured and kept to time well with a good balance of presentations to develop our knowledge, as well as additional activities such as case studies, speed networking and presentational skill development. The first four days were well structured when preparing us with the skills and knowledge required for the assessment centre on the Friday.

The atmosphere was very welcoming from the firm's point of view in terms of making us feel comfortable within such a large company, even if it were only for five days. The other students on the insight were friendly and willing to work together well, more formally during the day and also informally during the social activities organised by the bank, It did not feel overly competitive in a negative way which stands out from other firms.

The bank offered chances to develop a range of skills which are critical in a professional environment and gave us chances to practice these new skills in a number of scenarios.

I think this insight did an excellent job of helping us understand the culture of the firm. Even though it was only a week I always felt part of the bank and felt welcome. All impressions of a future career at the bank from a variety of staff was useful, and encouraging,

Excellent, culture was highlighted on a number of occasions within the week and was clearly on display in all activities we took part in, in various divisions of the bank.

Prior to the program we were asked to select two divisional preferences, each of which we would spend a day within, This was an excellent chance to work shadow, hear from employees and take part in relevant panels and case studies to truly understand how each division works and fits into the wider picture of the bank. We could then use this information to make an informed decision on which division we wished to be considered for in the Assessment Centre.

Expenses were on offer for travel required to get to the program, and for transport between offices etc. Accommodation within ten minutes walk of the main offices was also provided free of charge,

A range of opportunities were on offer including evening drinks on the first day and a dinner on the third day. We frequently met members of the firm during divisional specific days through work shadowing, over coffee and in general over lunches. Networking breakfasts were also a feature,

Very good, and in a range of settings as explained above.

This information was available in a number of ways, from the office tour on the first day to general networking events and work shadowing.

Absolutely - a fantastic chance to greatly expand knowledge of banking as an industry, and more particularly Bank of America Merrill Lynch, in an excellent environment with the opportunity to be considered for the following year's summer internship,