Intern Review

Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Overall the program was well-structured with a steep learning curve. For a student that had not previously had an insight into the corporate environment, as well as coming from a STEM background, the transition was smooth but stimulating, and I was given enough opportunities to develop my understanding of both the culture, through meeting employees, as well as the broader business of the firm.

I was directly involved with my team and given work that would directly be used by Managing Directors in client meetings. I was given the right level of work in terms of difficulty, and as the internship progressed, I was given the opportunity to build on my existing skills and knowledge, and take on more responsibility. My team ensured that I was making the most of the experience and I enjoyed working in such a collegiate environment.

I was working in a fairly small team. I felt that each member was very helpful and willing to spend time with me whether it was explaining a technical concept or just going for lunch. The program was structured in an intern-friendly manner where we were allocated buddies and mentors who we were able to build strong relationships with through-out the summer. Support and guidance was available across the board, not just from our respective desks but also from HR and firm networks, especially through events such as speaker panels.

Workload varied from day to day with some days being more busy, factoring in external/social events. Towards last few weeks, my workload increased significantly due to the fact that it was summer holidays so employees would take annual leave. This was an opportunity for me to bring together all the skills and knowledge I had learnt over the summer and apply it in a way that would add value to my team. By the end of the internship I had directly undertaken the tasks of a graduate analyst and felt like I had really grown through-out the process.

My team allocated me responsibilities that gradually increased once I became more competent and showed my passion for learning and developing my understanding of the work. I was given feedback on my tasks which I took on board and was given opportunities to show improvement. Generally every piece of work was somehow collated into a bigger project which would be used during client meetings, so I was able to appreciate the value of responsibility and contribute even more with time.

I developed a number of skills through the internship program, particularly team-working, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure. Each of these skills have been relevant during my final year so far where my workload is greater, more analytical and also more independent-learning based. The technical knowledge that I learnt, although perhaps not directly linked to my science degree, has been helpful in the sense that I know this is the industry that I want to pursue a career in and learn even more about.

General atmosphere was quiet, very hard-working and focused, but we were also able to relax and enjoy talking to each other every so often. For me it was a good environment as I was able to concentrate during the day and make the most of the morning/afternoon, with a more relaxed atmosphere in the late afternoon/evening.

Very well-structured with a full calendar of events, seminars and presentations. Induction week consisted of technical training to get all interns upto speed with general financial knowledge, with further specific seminars through-out the internship, culminating in an assessed case study presentation. There were plenty of social events organised through-out the internship, and communication was good and prompt.

I felt valued by my team and by UBS in terms of the way I was treated as an intern. The experience was completely new to me and help was at hand at any point if I had any questions about a specific part of the internship. The program was paid, and we were given dinner allowances as well as travel expense coverage. I was also able to participate in a team day out which was a great way to get to know the whole team outside the office. There was a strong focus on developing personal and professional skills, particularly leadership and networking, and being a female student, there were lots of events organised specifically to help broaden internal networks and learn about the experiences of senior women in the industry- a very positive and encouraging experience!

I was very happy to receive an offer for the Graduate Program and will be looking forward to returning!

Living in London was a great learning experience. The interns were a friendly and social bunch, and many times we were able to organise our own events outside the office and get to know each other better. Inside the office, it was very common to meet up with interns across the divisions for lunch/dinner.

I lived close to the office, in a student accommodation where UBS had reserved some spaces for its interns. The rent was good by London standards, and the area was right next to popular scenes, with easy access into central London as well.

Nightlife was great, easy to access and it was good to be living in a constantly bright and busy area!

As an intern, we had perhaps more time than full-time employees, with some time on the weekend to do our own activities. Depending on which division you were in, the hours varied. Generally I had most time to spare on the weekend so was able to meet up with friends or spend time in central London.