Summer Insight Week Participant Review

I enjoyed the insight greatly because of the range of different sessions in such a short period of time. The first day was very welcoming because of the breaks where we had opportunities to meet the other students and ask questions to Human Resources. Also, I enjoyed the session held by the screenplay writer which really boosted my confidence and allowed me to network better during the drinks reception in the evening. The work shadowing on the second day also helped me to find out more about my division preferences and the speed networking session and careers fair helped me to discover more areas of the bank I had not seen before. Moreover, the networking dinner allowed me to find out more about my first divisional preference and talk more about it in a relaxed environment.

I felt as though every business representative involved cared about why we were on the insight programme and were very open to answering all the questions we had concerning their roles, the work environment and their crucial work-life balance. Furthermore, the work shadowing on the second day helped me to see what was actually done on the desks and I was introduced to other divisions and business representatives who also talk the time out of their busy schedules to speak with me.

Human resources were always nearby if we had any queries or questions about where we should be for each session, how to travel to other venues and advice for how to approach the insight at the start. Also, during the interactive sessions the business representatives were helpful during the case study and ready to answer any queries we had and guided us through the thought processes they would take in their own roles.

I found that certain skills were good to develop when asking older students and members of the business what they wish they had done during their first year at university. Also, I intend to take some language and accounting courses at university to keep up to date with finance. Moreover, I also plan to seek access to a Bloomberg terminal if the university have one and to join societies regarding banking as well as other recreational ones. Moreover, the analysis skills and communication skills I have developed will also help me on my degree course. In addition, I was also given some very good advice regarding university and managing a career in banking which I will apply in the future.

The 3 days were packed full of useful skill sessions, work shadowing, networking sessions and breaks. Also, an information pack was handed out on the first day which gave an outline to what we could expect and a timetable with places we should be and when. The structure was made up of a range of different types of sessions with different methods, for instance, powerpoint presentations, group tasks and pair work.

The atmosphere felt professional as well as open so, I felt comfortable asking questions and approaching business representatives at networking lunches or dinners. Moreover, the other students also helped and guided each other so you felt as if you were in an environment where everyone wanted you to succeed and to do well.

We were given a very interactive session by a screenplay writer who encouraged us to overcome our existing fears of networking with business representatives and helped us to get to know other students on the programme through pair work.

I was able to ask questions to business representatives about their daily duties and why they had stayed at the bank for the length of time they had, The work shadowing allowed me to see the roles that existed and the set up of the bank itself.

Everyone I spoke to stressed the importance of teamwork in whatever role they did which helped them immensely. Also, they had a really good attitude towards internal mobility which was often encouraged and I heard many recounts of the different areas employees had worked in.

The content helped me to realise what a career in banking could entail and every day was full of different opportunities to find out more about the roles within the bank.

I lived 30 minutes away from the offices on public transport so my expenses were not too great.

There was a chance while work shadowing to be introduced to other employees and when looking at the case study I was able to meet other employees who worked at the bank,

There were a lot of chances to network at the drinks reception on the first day, the networking dinner, the networking breakfast, the networking lunch, the speed networking session and the careers fair.

There were opportunities in their diversity and inclusion networks to be involved in different causes outside of work. Corporate Social Responsibility also highlighted the chance to be involved in fundraising and other charitable causes.

I learnt a lot about the firm, a career in banking and have met a lot of people I intend on staying in contact with in the future.