Pioneer Programme Review

I really recommend this programme to anyone interested in finance, particularly banking. The programme provided me with deep insights into Rothschild's Global Advisory division and its culture of large deal flows and long-standing client relationships through various skill sessions and presentations by a range of individuals - from summer interns to Associates.

This programme sharpened my delegation and decision-making skills as I helped my team work our way through a value proposition pitch with a new product to a board of analysts and associates. The pitch also helped me work on my clarity of thought as well as my creative thinking as we came up with a business plan for an Environmental Microfinance initiative.

This work experience was extremely enjoyable. Not only were the skill sessions and presentations engaging and continuously riveting, but the other people that attended the course also made it so much better. It was great to spend so much time working alongside like-minded individuals so early on. The networking could not have worked out better.

The work experience was very well-organized. Throughout the duration of the programme, there was not a time I was unsure of what I was supposed to be getting on with. This was particularly surprising given that this work experience is usually carried out in person - but the transition to an online format as a result of covid restrictions was not nearly as problematic as one would expect.

During the programme, Rothschild made sure everyone attending got a real grasp of what it was like working for the company. We learnt about the company's long-standing relationships with its clients and its pride in having the largest deal-flow in Europe out of all the major banks. Overall, Rothschild looked like a very nice place to work which few people want to leave.

This work experience truly helped me in deciding on my future career path. Considering I have not yet even started university, I believe it provided me with a really good insight into what it is like working in the finance industry, which I am now sure I will try my best to break into.

I was not paid or reimbursed for this work experience. Nevertheless, when the programme seemed to be happening in person, Rothschild was going to provide us all with money in order to buy food, as well as help to find accommodation, had we needed one. Given the nature of the work experience, I would not have expected to be paid in the first place anyway.

There were plenty of networking opportunities throughout the program which attendees could take advantage of. Not only were we directly provided with a networking opportunity with current summer interns, we also managed to get into contact with each other outside of the programme itself, joining various group chats to help each other with future applications.

Yes

I would certainly recommend this work experience to a friend as it was incredibly helpful and insightful. I learnt a lot about Rothschild's culture, what it is like working there, its pros and cons, what makes the company tick - its proud accomplishments, and enjoyed plenty of networking which will, no doubt, help me in the future.

Make sure your application is honest. Make sure to include as much relevant work experience as you possibly can, but do not worry if you do not have much - what they really care about is making sure you are disciplined, hardworking, creative, and can show you possess great interest in finance.