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Wharf Life Aug 14-28, 2019 wharf-life.com
“The students often start by being unsure of what to expect, and whether they will have a good time fit in or be comfortable. and we’re really proud of it. “In the vast majority of cases We’ve built it collaboratively the students have fun, they learn a internally, and with the SMF and lot and they believe that they can we were lucky enough to receive a thrive in an environment like JP Queen’s Award For Enterprise for Morgan. promoting opportunity through “ e definitely see them grow the programme.” over the 14 days, and when we The bank continually evolves the see them come back in the work scheme, which now includes the experience programme, we see the chance to apply for a week’s paid difference the two weeks and the work experience once the students mentoring have made. We’re really finish school as well as support proud of everything that they while at university through the achieve after that. SMF to ensure they get targeted “What I have loved with the information about internships and programme in particular this graduate programmes at the bank. year is that we have had so It’s all building on the range of many people involved who have experiences they have during the been through the programme initial fortnight. themselves. “The students have many “ n the first day one student different types of acti ities ” said talked about his journey through Jessica. “They spend some of the programme into mergers and the time doing skill sessions as a acquisitions, and another one group, or in smaller groups, to get insights into different lines actually interviewed one of of business, secondly, the co-presidents of the they get talks firm aniel into from our head who gave insights researchers on on his career and the economy what it’s like to and different be in that position to all of topics. “They also the students present. It spend time was really with their host lines special to of business see that. I’m – it might be incredibly wealth manageproud to be ment, or on a part of this trading desk with programme. the banking team, It feels like a Jessica Ferguson and there they really real collaboration as understand what that job is well, between J P Morgan and SMF, but also between lots actually like on a day-to-day basis. of different departments in the “They might go to team firm coming together to change meetings, client meetings, get set people’s lives.” a project that is relevant to the business, and really gather an in-depth understanding of the ne of the people day-to-day. involved in this “Another aspect of it is evening year’s programme and cultural activities, where was Victor Azubuike. the students have fun together Having successfully and form a network, so that they come through an can continue to stay in touch SMF scheme in Whitehall, he throughout school and do different secured a position with JP Morgan things. For example, we went to after graduating from Warwick the Globe with this group, and saw University. A Midsummer Night’s Dream which “I put my hand up because I’m a lot of them really enjoyed – they really passionate about the work were really raving about it. the programme does,” he said. “My role as a mentor is to encourage the young people that we get in the tasks that they’re doing. “It’s also to help them with When you have the questions about what university thinking of attending, how resources and will to tap they’re they’re finding the day-to-day into these communities, and the projects that we set them, where they are with those, and there can be a tangible generally to encourage them to enjoy the experience here at J P change in the trajectory Morgan. of people’s lives “I work in the platform sales business which is an offshoot Victor Azubuike, JP Morgan
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Aspiring Professional Programme alumni that have been offered full-time positions with JP Morgan since the initiative launched in 2012
This year’s programme saw former APP alumni and EMEA credit trading team member Daniel Orr interview JP Morgan CEO and co-president and COO of JPMorgan Chase Daniel Pinto during a fireside chat, left
the overseer
clearing pathways to careers JP Morgan head of data analytics Samik Chandarana oversees the APP for the firm. He said: “Working with these students inspires me and everyone else involved in the programme a great deal because of the spirit they bring with them. “They really energise the teams they join. There are a few key elements of this programme. Firstly, the two-week experience living in London and working full time at the firm is hopefully a lifeshaping experience for them. “Secondly, during the two weeks and long afterwards, they receive a level of professional mentorship they may not have had before. “Lastly, for those interested, this programme clears a pathway into working at the firm. That’s a really exciting element for both the students and for us, and rare for a programme like this.”
Samik Chandarana speaks to the students