Work Experience Profile – ITO

Degree: BSc Information Technology in Organisations (2011)

Position: Technology Internship - Analyst
Organisation: JP Morgan
Industry: Banking

How did you find out about the placement:
I found out about the placement through going to an event, in my first year, run by the company called “Spring Break” which gave me an opportunity to find out about them. During the 2 days I spent there I learnt about the internship (to occur at the end of my 2nd year) as well as the graduate scheme.

What was the recruitment process:
To get onto the internship I first filled out the application. I was then invited to complete the next stage which was an online numeracy test. As maths is not a requirement to be on the technology scheme it wasn’t there to test how well I could multiply but more to show if I was able to interpret graphs and calculate information that would be needed as part of a business. On passing this stage I was then invited to a half-day assessment centre during which I had to complete a presentation, a group exercise and do 2 interviews. It was tough but worth it when I was offered a place. 

On starting the internship, I spent 3 months at JP Morgan undertaking various projects that had been set for me and that I set myself. There were many opportunities to learn from various individuals across the company and I met some great people. On the last day of my internship I was offered a place on the Graduate program and will be starting September 2011. 

For those who have not done the internship, application for the Graduate scheme is in a similar manner to that of the internship.

Did you get any help and who from?
I was able to get great help from two final year students  and previous graduate who had just completed the 2.5 year graduate program.  I was very lucky to gain their advice.

What happened?
I was involved in 4 main projects.  I was privileged enough to be given two projects by manager which will be used within the company after I have left: it was great knowing I had made a difference. They were also non coding roles which was great for me as this was something I did not favour. 

One of the other tasks I set myself, to conduct a presentation with the 5 other interns who were in the same business area as me. We presented this to our managers to inform them of what we had achieved during our time here and what we would take away from the experience. 

My final project was given to me and another intern by one of the recruiting team. We were in charge of putting together a technology presentation that will be rolled out to universities in the near future, to promote what our area of the business involves. Unlike the presentation made with the other interns, we were required to recruit individuals from the company who were willing to present for us. At the end of the internship we organised a run through of this presentation to all interns and graduates in the company. 

Did you have a mentor or other support? 
Throughout the internship I received great support from so many people. My manager and two supervisors were always there to answer my questions (and I definitely see them as mentors) and help me achieve what I wanted including arranging trips to London to discover other areas of the company. There were so many other individuals who I could thank for helping me during my time here and, in addition, JP Morgan also provide a “buddy” to all interns which was a great help to me.

Did you get any training? 
All interns received 2 days of induction, introducing us to the internship scheme and providing us with vital information into how to go about our day to day tasks, use of telephones, emails, etc.

What skills were you using/developing? 
For me the skills I was both using and developing were that of organisation and multitasking. I was able to prove to my team that I could handle several tasks at the same time by managing my time. Through conducting a presentation I improved presentation skills and was able to develop my managerial skills. 

Any tips?
Network, Network, Network. Meet anyone you can meet, don’t be afraid to ask to spend time with them. Even if you have not heard of their role before, by work shadowing them, you will learn. Ask to sit in on meetings, this is a great way of understanding the working of the business. 

In addition, before you even start the internship, attend any events run by the company available to you. This is a great way of meeting employees before you get there.