Summer Intern Review

The internship was wholly enjoyable from the first day of training until the final day, with the exit meeting. UBS ensure there is a wide variety of activities for interns to partake, which for ICS included bi-weekly stock pitches, a weekly group trading game, and weekly meetings to discuss the markets. This meant we were always engaging with the recruitment team and encouraged to work with other interns throughout, as well as completing tasks set by our respective desks.

Colleagues offered help to challenges I was set, allowed me to focus and explore areas that interested me, and valued my input as we discussed various topics. I was made to feel welcome and part of the team on all rotations, and in all activities, and was impressed by how collegiate UBS is on a daily basis. It is clear how highly colleagues value us interns by their willingness to set aside time to help us understand the roles and the bank.

From the start, we were provided an extensive support network, with a dedicated buddy, a dedicated mentor, and continuous support from both our supervisors and managers. Everyone was eager to help and give guidance, from explaining simple concepts and giving introductions, to providing in depth feedback on work projects and presentations.

Every day was busy but exciting, there was never a dull moment. When not helping out with support tasks for my team, I was working on projects I had been assigned, and learning about my area. There are multiple events for interns each week (both professional and social), and networking through the bank is highly encouraged to ensure we understood how each function fits together.

As an intern, the responsibility is of course limited and the goal is to learn quickly and see where you can make a difference. This is not to say our work was inconsequential, as the projects I was working on had a real impact whether directly through enhancing a process, or indirectly through prompting further exploration. My level of responsibility was increased as I showed eagerness, produced good work, and sought out opportunities to help my team.

The training we received covered both professional development (how to communicate, network, etc) and personal development (mindfulness, personal psychology, etc) and showed us how to employ this during our internship and beyond. The intense learning process throughout the internship and the experience of working in a motivated, fast-paced, demanding but enjoyable environment has helped generally through my studies in knowing how - and when - to work hard, and in general life by understanding how others communicate, and their motivations, and using this to enhance relationships personally and professionally.

The office has a great atmosphere brought about by the attitudes of the people who work there. Whilst the job can be demanding and require concentration, everyone is helpful and friendly and will make the time to talk to you if they are available. The atmosphere is generally jovial and there was a good feeling of camaraderie in through my rotations on the floor.

The internship was well organised with a great offering of initial training week, exploring personal and professional development, and follow up teach-ins on various subjects related to the division. Events were planned and notified far in advance, and we were kept up to date with any changes. The number of events kept us busy but timing was well organised around our general desk commitments. The structure of the internship meant everyone was able to receive good training, then experience most desks on the trading floor, make a desk selection preference, and experience 3-4wks on each of two desks to get a more in depth feel of the role and the team.

UBS offered many different training days, teach ins and events for interns to learn about various roles, products, the bank and themselves. Training ranged from technical (e.g. a look at derivatives) to personal / psychological (allowing us some introspection to find what role we may prefer based on our psyche). Throughout, I felt that UBS was investing not only in my technical abilities, but cared about developing a constructive mindset to approach everything from the job to general life.

Everyone is very friendly and sociable. Among interns there is a good social life in the evenings and on weekends, with different events being organised by interns from meals and sport events to club nights and trips. With colleagues we went for food and drinks, or could join in some of the sport and volunteering evens in the evenings.

It's London, so cheap living and socialising isn't as practical as some othe regions. With that in mind, the cost was not exorbitant. You'd consider £3 the cheapest pint and £5 the average near the office. Food IS expensive, with lunch running as high as £7-10 if you choose an artisan food van or something large with extras. The alternative is M&S, Tesco or Boots meal deals, which can bring lunch costs down.

Nightlife was great. The office is in the City, which is on the doorstep of Shoreditch and Hoxton. Need I say more? Not only this but there is also a plethora of bars and restaurants/cafes near the office, serving food and drink most evenings until nearing midnight or the early hours. Naturally there are a good assortment of later opening clubs in Shoreditch.

There were a few charity events and social events we were able to partake in, and some teams have regular games after work (football, cricket, etc). There is plenty of opportunity to get involved if you want to, and there are plenty of activities organised within the intern group too, as everyone appreciates a chance to wind down. It's a sociable environment in the office and the carries over to outside too.