Deals Analyst Intern Review

We sat within the Deals team which comprises of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and Due Diligence (DD). We alternated between tasks on an ad hoc basis. When working on DD tasks this, this would often involve working on excel sheets (starting on completed deals for practice, moving on to live deals) analysing companies' financial data, such as their cash flow, net working capital, prepayments and accruals. This was alongside sitting in client meetings where some of this data would be discussed and scrutinised. When we worked on M&A tasks, we engaged with more research-based tasks and presentations, such as doing market research on comparable firms to the client as well as potential buyers online and using internal platforms. There were also opportunities to work on documents that were going to be sent out to clients, with the team giving us independence on designing these documents.

Initially we started off on old completed deals and training tasks, using the data to learn how to categorise prepayments and accruals, and work out key KPIs such as NWC, EBITDA, and Net debt. This allowed us to build our confidence on Excel and finally work on schedules for live clients, once we had the ability to do so. Responsibility was extended to us gradually until we working on tasks on our own, receiving feedback from associates and any refinements. This included engagement letters, profit and loss tables, discussion documents and other client material.

Through national training calls with other interns, we learnt about the importance of professionalism, commercial awareness, networking and building a personal brand. This alongside a presentation with other interns across different offices that really enhanced our teamwork and public speaking skills. Within the office, sitting within strategy and monthly meetings helped developed confidence as well as understand the importance of cross-team collaboration.

A lot of support and guidance was available. We had regular catch ups with our line manager and buddies would often check in to see how we were getting on, as regular support from other members of out team. It was very easy to ask questions and new platforms or tasks were explained clearly, with the team reassuring us that we were free to ask as many questions as needed.

The company culture is very welcoming and communal. There are many opportunities to get to know interns from other teams and offices, and the team at RSM were very welcoming and took an interest in us. There were team lunches and socials that were very enjoyable and allowed us to get to know our colleagues better, as well as intern socials which were encouraged by the office. The whole team were the very welcoming!

I thoroughly enjoyed the internship. It massively opened my horizons to deals consulting, and I have felt comfortable to ask all and any questions I had. The team is welcoming and conversational, as well as the other interns. The partner of the team, as well as my line manager and buddy, all made a concerted effort to get to know the interns and ensure we were enjoying the experience. Other members of the team ensured that we had tasks to complete that would advance our understanding, rather than just fulfilling admin tasks, although that is an inevitable part.

Yes