Cookies — it's your choice

At Bright Network we use cookies and similar technologies to help deliver you the best possible experience. Some are necessary to help our website work properly and can't be switched off, and some are optional but support Bright Network in building and running the service that we provide to you.

Data we store

  • Essential cookies to make this website work
  • Third party cookies used for personalised ads and content

You can find out more in our privacy policy and cookie policy, and manage the choices available to you at any time by going to ‘Privacy settings’ at the bottom of any page.

Are you happy to accept all cookies?
  • Home
  • Choose a career
    • No idea what to do?
    • Career path test
    • Career path guides
    • Top graduate employers
    • Job profiles
    • Further study
  • Apply for internships
    • Find an internship
    • Top graduate employers
    • Deadline Tracker
    • Internship Experience UK
  • Apply for graduate jobs
    • Find a graduate job
    • Top graduate employers
    • Deadline Tracker
  • Career advice
    • No idea what to do?
    • CV advice
    • Aptitude & numerical tests
    • Interviews
    • Assessment centres
    • Commercial awareness
    • Core career skills
    • Entering the world of work
    • Career path test
  • Academy learning
    • Free courses
    • Psychometric tests
  • Events
    • Bright Network events
    • Virtual University Series
    • Employer events
    • Previous event highlights
  • Success stories
    • Member success stories
  • About us
  • For employers
Home
  • Login
  • |
  • Signup
  • About us
  • For employers
  • FAQs
  • Choose a career
    No idea what to do? Career path test Career path guides Top graduate employers Job profiles Further study
  • Apply for internships
    Find an internship Top graduate employers Deadline Tracker Internship Experience UK
  • Apply for graduate jobs
    Find a graduate job Top graduate employers Deadline Tracker
  • Career advice
    No idea what to do? CV advice Aptitude & numerical tests Interviews Assessment centres Commercial awareness Core career skills Entering the world of work Career path test
  • Academy learning
    Free courses Psychometric tests
  • Events
    Bright Network events Virtual University Series Employer events Previous event highlights
  • Success stories
    Member success stories

Graduate insight into securing an Investment Banking Internship with Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Created on 5 Jul 2017

Following a Bright Network Festival,  Joel successfully applied for a spring week internship at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. We chatted to Joel to hear about his experience.

Why did you choose this firm and this role?

I chose Bank of America Merrill Lynch because I wanted to gain experience at one of the top banks in the world. Also, Bank of America Merrill lynch really emphasise on giving students the opportunity to experience many divisions in the bank. I chose investment banking as I enjoy speaking to clients but also checking the markets daily so I thought this gave me a good balance of both. However, you are asked to give two choices of preferences so if you are stuck between two you can experience them both which I thought was great considering you can now see how the divisions link together at a bank.

What was the toughest part of the application process? And your favourite part?

The toughest part of the application was also my favourite part which was the phone interview. This was mainly due to the fact it was not particularly technical which meant I could talk about my past experiences and hobbies which show how the bank want people who are pro-active.

Were you surprised by anything in the process?

I was surprised by how quick they responded after I sent my cover letter as I heard people waited months. I suppose this shows if you take the time on your cover letter and really show interest it will pay off so I guess patience is key.

What three top tips would you give your fellow Bright Network members?

The three P's: be Patient, be Pro-active and be Passionate

What's your lucky charm or pre-interview ritual?

Practice in the mirror can really tell you a lot!

Looking to follow in Joel's footsteps? Discover live graduate opportunities with Bank of America.

Bright Network member, Joel
Joel, Cardiff University
Bank of America, Investment Banking
2017

Related Success Stories

  • Graduate insight into securing an internship with Macquarie
  • Securing an internship with Macquarie: A graduate's story
  • Graduate insight into securing a role with Macquarie
  • Securing a Spring Week with Goldman Sachs - Top tips from Keasha
  • Graduate insight into securing an internship with Morgan Stanley
Careers - work for usGet in touchTerms and conditions
Community guidelinesPrivacy policyBrowse site
Bright Network © 2022