Summer Intern, Global Cash Product. Review

The internship has been brilliant - I came into the internship knowing very little about the markets and my learningcurve has been exponential. We're constantly challenged and mentored; everyone is accepting and will willingly help you and show you what their role entails. We're expected to learn quickly and constantly imprrove which can lead to pressurised situations, but our future roles will be pressurised so I just see it as good preparation. In general the internship is really well structured with talks and events throughout. We are constantly encouraged to meet all teams on the trading floor (both sales and trading) which is an aspect of the internship that I really appreciate and think is quite unique to UBS.

It is difficult to add value to a trading desk where regulation and FCA approval are paramount - in that way it is quite tricky. My team however is great and if you are creative and take the initiative there are tasks that you can carry out that help. More than that, I feel like the team see the internship as the opportunity to learn with the expectation that by the end you could carry out tasks at the UBS level. Everyone on the floor is kind and willing to take the time to help you if you don't understand something - it's a great atmosphere to learn in.

My line manager and I have regular meetings and he makes sure that I am on track with my learning and any projects. I have 2 line managers, a mentor and buddy so between them I always have someone that I can go to!

During earnings season I was really busy (as was everyone) and since then it has quietened slightly. I do however have weekly/ daily internship tasks (trading activities, stock pitches, market reports) that ensure that I always have tasks and opportunities to learn.

I do not have a lot of responsibility, but I understand that it is difficult in such a client facing role. Where there is opportunity for my to contribute to a task I am.

The skills and knowledge that I have learned over the past 6 weeks (I have 3 weeks to go) will be invaluable. I have improved my networking skills, technical skills, teamwork skills, written skills - basically everything! The knowledge about the financial system and companies will be the most important though I think. We are spoilt for information and help during the internship - using this will give me a brilliant start to my future career.

The general atmosphere is great - it is friendly and there is great comradery between the desks. There is also an expectation that you will be great at your job which pushes everyone to improve.

The structure of the internship has been great and everything is organised well in advance.

The company do little but invest their time in you - there is constant opportunity to learn and people will always be willing to take the time to explain something to you. I feel like a huge amount of time has been invested in my development.

The internship is definitely competitive - there is opportunity here but only if you are good enough. There isn't an intern quota that must be filled - you will only get a job if you prove that you could perform at the high standard currently set. There are opportunities on some desks though.

There is a beginning, mid-term and final social organised by the HR team - they are great and give you the opportunity to see interns from other areas of the business. Other than that there is always a group of interns that meet on Thursday and Friday evenings which is fun.

The socialising is expensive, but that is London in general. UBS recommend accomodation about a 30 minute walk from the office that I am staying in - that is very cheap compared to the area, fairly central and good quality.

The nightlife is good (Broadgate circle is great for restaurants) but the internship is quite intense so the only opportunity to go out really is a Friday night/ Saturday night.

Not really - there are many teams and events that UBS hold but during the summer the internship is the focus.