Intern with SMF Review

The Programme lasted 2 weeks where I was apart of a group of around 50 students. During the first week, we were given a variety of talks and teach-ins about J.P. Morgan (mainly at Canary Wharf) and for the second week we were split up into smaller groups. I was then based at the Private Bank in Knighstbridge where I gained more of an understanding of what the Private Bank is about and spoke to employees of all levels of the hierarchy and from all asset classes. I worked in a pair to pitch J.P.Morgan to a potential future client as to why JPM Private Bank would be the best firm to manage their money. This was done as a role-play scenario to a senior panel.

I have developed many skills as a result of the Programme. I think the most notable one has been my confidence. I was previously a confident person, however I believe my confidence has been developed and I'm now able to network with professionals at ease and feel confident and even get a satisfaction from public speaking.

The Programme was great and I thoroughly enjoyed it. All the employees were very welcoming and easy to talk to. I felt like I had a great team around me that I could communicate with and get along socially. Overall the programme exceeded my expectations.

I feel very valued. Going in to the programme I wondered whether I'd be noticed or valued at a huge firm such as J.P.Morgan, however my attitude change straight away. We were regularly invited to breakfast at Canary Wharf and could ask any question to the professionals. We were also assigned senior mentors to speak to one a one-to-one level and keep in contact with over the coming year. I regularly spoke publicly, one being at the closing event and afterwards many bankers came to congratulate me which also made me feel valued.

I believe the structure was good. Assigning one week to general overviews to different branches of the bank and also activities relating to those branches and then the second week to a more specific branch of the bank and project work. The mentor system also works well and I can still contact my mentor now with queries I have even after the programme. The one critical point I would give is that not enough time during the second week was given to specifically work on our project presentations and it all seemed a bit rushed to get them finished. However the final result for each pair was great.

J.P.Morgan worked in partnership with the Social Mobility Foundation. Both organisations were very supportive and we could either speak to our mentor, buddy or team leader whenever we needed.

Everybody at the firm was also very supportive. After being given a teach or a lengthy one on one discussion with an employee on a particular topic. They would provide us with business cards and say to contact them through email, LinkedIn or even in person if we needed anything to be explained further. I also was able to practice my final presentation to my buddy on two separate occasions.

N/A for my specific Programme.

The Social Mobility Foundation organised evening activities on almost every day of the two weeks. Whether it be to go onto the London Eye, a boat ride across the Thames, rock climbing, a movie at the O2 or visiting the National Portrait Gallery. J.P.Morgan also organised events such as being apart of a focus group for the Financial Conduct Authority, attending a networking session with all levels of employees or a university fair.

Yes

The company makes you feel valued and they provide you with vital information that can prove crucial when it comes to working in an investment bank that cannot be learnt in school, college or university.

Begin your application process early and make sure you have it spell checked and read over by yourself, but also at least one other person. If and when you're accepted, make sure you put yourself out there for every opportunity that presents itself such as public speaking or a specific role in a team. Also ask as many questions as you can think of. Most importantly make sure you leave with no regrets because you won't have another chance at this.