Summer Intern Review

The work (although very challenging at points) was enjoyable. We were tasked with a group project which really tested our skill set and abilities to prioritise our daily commitments. A day could vary from analytical data driven tasks to compiling policy and procedure documents, all of which was really valued not only by our own teams but the wider groups within the firm.

I felt extremely valued by my colleagues. They would raise concerns if they felt I was too busy, congratulate me for finishing pieces of work and encourage me to learn more wherever possible. They were not only supportive but also willing to help in cases where I felt out of my depth.

I was given fantastic support. Everyone at any level of seniority was available and willing to sit down with me and explain anything I didn't understand or needed help with. One of my key takeaways from the Summer Internship is the amount of senior exposure available for those who seek it at the firm. We participated in Managing Director breakfast events, whereby we got an hour of time one on one with senior staff and could ask them almost anything from career motivation and development to simple personal things like how they balance their work life commitments.

Business would vary. As I moved towards the end of the internship I found myself a lot more busy as I was being given more responsibility and my group project deadline neared. It can be difficult to keep up with the work sometimes but the fact that senior colleagues gave me so much responsibility is a good sign that they have the trust in you to produce good results.

I was given more and more responsibility as I progressed and my knowledge expanded. From creating client facing documents to internal analysis which would affect the business decisions of the firm. Throughout the internship I really felt as though my work made an impact not only for my team but wider groups within my line of business.

The internship begun with a week of general markets based training which was delivered brilliantly by an external tutor who took the time to make sure we all were up to speed. This training included excel, bonds, equities, derivatives etc. The softer skills developed will stay with me for a long time. Learning how to navigate the corporate environment is really important and building out your network of colleagues. Whilst a lot of the skills won't really help with my university studies, I received a great financial education which will help wherever I choose to go beyond university.

The atmosphere really was a product of our colleagues, all of which who welcomed us and made sure we were enjoying the work we were given. I was given the opportunity at the start of the internship to sit with my managers and give an insight into the type of work I enjoyed and they tasked me accordingly which made sure the ten weeks were enjoyable.

J.P. Morgan's HR team did a fantastic job of organising the internship program. We were lucky enough to attend speeches from the CEO Jamie Dimon, CFO Marianne Lake and global head of Investor Services James Kenny. As well as this, there were numerous drinks events and networking opportunities with senior directors within the line of business.

The program began with a full week of training which was extremely helpful, especially for those who haven't studied a finance/economics degree and have little working experience in the area. We also had ongoing weekly teach-in sessions which educated us on a more firm specific level as well as the softer skills like how to manage meetings, presentations etc.

At the end of my internship I was offered a full time role within my team which starts when I finish university (I am planning to accept the offer). The graduate scheme at J.P. Morgan begins with a 2-month Markets and Investor Services based training program in New York, which is industry renowned and something I'm really excited to be a part of.

The other interns were really friendly and we always made an effort to catch up socially whether it be going for drinks, having lunches together or simply catching up for coffee when we had free time. The other interns were a great support network throughout the internship and really help to keep you motivated over the 10 weeks when you feel particularly challenged.

As it was London it was very expensive. However, the pay received more than amply covers this expense, I never really found myself short of money at any point in time which was great and I managed to save some money for my third year at university.

Canary Wharf is a good place to meet with your colleagues for after work drinks/dinners. In terms of nightlife like clubs etc. it's only a short train journey from the more central areas like Shoreditch, the west end, the city etc. which have a more than wide array of nightlife options.

J.P. Morgan has numerous internal networks for sports, women, ethnic minorities etc. meaning there were many opportunities to attend events around career progression, sports etc.