Spring Intern (Women's Horizon Insight Programme) Review

The insight consisted of talks from experienced bankers within different sector and product teams (Global Advisory (TMT; Energy &Power; Financial Institutions), Equity Advisory, Debt Advisory), an introduction to Investment Banking lesson, networking and social events, a presentation of the Rothschild & Co archives and a case study with fellow participants. The case study's task was to evaluate a potential merger or acquisition option between two firms and was presented to a panel of senior bankers on the last day of the program.

It was extremely valuable to gain such a detailed insight into the business of Global Advisory and all the different roles within the Bank. By offering talks from someone within each division and in addition to that panels and networking sessions with different bankers, one had the opportunity to ask questions to people working in many different teams at many different stages of their career (Analysts, Associates, Assistent Directors, ...). So in the end one really had a comprehensive understanding of how the business is structured and which roles are available.

I was able two acquire and develop both methodical and technical skills on the programme. The methodical, or soft skills, I acquired and further developed were inter alia, working within a team; presenting; researching and preparing an interview or assessment center. Those skills resulted from the workshops directly offered by Rothschild & Co employees. The technical or industry-specific skills I acquired stem mainly from the Introduction to Investment Banking session, which was held by an external firm. Still, I also learned some things from talking to Rothschild & Co bankers, especially during a call with a banker, whose contact details I got from HR, since I had a very specific question.
So all in all, I learned how to deploy my knowledge from University in the world of Finance.

The company's culture and atmosphere could not have been better. The culture managed to transcend the virtual barrier, and even though I was alone, sitting in front on my screen, throughout the whole programme I felt really valued. The programme included a social event, that allowed the participants to e-meet. The social event was so much fun and in the end it really felt as if one knew the others personally, even though it was all virtual. We were introduced to the different diversity and inclusion initiatives and also to the charitable and community investment activities, in a thorough manner. Wellbeing, which included sports activities, was also an important matter, even before the programme has started.
Everyone emphasized, how they loved going for a drink after work with each other, when there was no Covid. So it seemed as if the employees did not just see each other at work.

I enjoyed all the tasks and programme points of the insight programme to an extent I would have never imagined. Not only was the programme informative, but I actually had so much fun!!! The employees, especially the HR team that was there during the whole programme and also during the application process was incredible. They are competent, nice and funny at the same time. The Bankers were also all very open to questions, and all reflected the company's values and culture really well. I had very high expectations for the programme, since the whole application process was quite competitive and the firm has an excellent reputation, still the programme managed to be even better than I would have expected. The firm managed to hold an incredible valuable insight, even though they had to do it virtually!!! I would definitely go back and hope to convert my Insight programme into a Summer Intern position.

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