Max Nugent
Degree Subject: Economics
I chose to apply to ICAP's Industry Insight programme due to a keen desire to have a first hand look within the financial industry. Reading a textbook in your college economics class can only give you a limited understanding of the financial industry and financial markets, however the exhilarating fast paced atmosphere of the ICAP office shined new light on my knowledge and perception of exactly what the financial industry is.
During the Industry Insight Programme my time at ICAP consisted of a three day long crash course on financial markets, which included a wide array of topics as well as a lecture on business ethics. Next, each Industry Insight participant was assigned two desks rotations to shadow the brokers and to gain a true feel for the business. Then finally the programme ended with a group project and a session on group skills.
I personally found time spent sitting on the desks and witnessing how the business worked to be the most useful. Not only was I finally able to make sense of what I have been learning in the classroom, but I gained an understanding of the type of personality necessary to succeed in such an industry.
With a keen desire to work within the financial industry the current economic climate has affected my career choice in that I now know I need to fight even harder for any opportunity to be hired. That may mean having more experience on a resume, working even harder for better grades or doing extra preparation for an interview. The need to separate oneself for the rest is more necessary than ever before.
Besides getting a first hand look of ICAP, the most enjoyable part of the programme was meeting people, whether it was having a conversation with someone I was sitting next to on a desk or working with everyone in the programme to complete our group project. Every person was very easy to get along with and willing to help.
