Rafy Akkyl
University: University College London
Degree Subject: Economics
ICAP is the only interdealer broker offering first year students an opportunity to come in and spend a week in the company - I was eager to grab this opportunity. Before I went on the Industry Insight programme, my knowledge of the interdealer industry and what it entailed was limited.
Why ICAP? Well as I'm sure you've heard - it's the best at what it does. It's a highly successful company being listed in the FTSE 100 and has a great reputation. The firm offers a myriad of products which gives it great diversity and makes it highly competitive.
The programme was well organised and we were always kept on our toes. The two days of financial markets training was excellent - mainly due to the teacher we had. He kept things interesting by teaching new content that wasn't overcomplicated, telling us good stories of his experience and running simulations. Of course, we also sat at desks with the brokers - this is where you really learn about the job. I took this opportunity to ask questions and absorb as much info as I could. After taking a walk around the trading floors, I was really able to understand why ICAP is at the top of its game.
It's hard to pinpoint what was most useful. Everything that we did from markets training to presentation skills to time with brokers will help me when it comes to internship applications or job interviews. If I had to say one thing, it'd be the time on the desks with the brokers because you get an idea of the type of people who work there. The brokers I met were friendly and enjoyed having banter, but at the same time were very sharp and dedicated.
You don't often hear about interdealer brokers as much as you hear about banks, so the industry was a bit of a mystery to me. I knew however that I would be spending my time with a successful company so I was expecting very professional and intelligent people - something I witnessed every day. I came in on the first day with an open mind and positive attitude. I left with experience, a great deal more knowledge, and a stronger idea of my career aspirations, as well as a few new friends.
A lot of ICAP's success is down to the people working there and their commitment. Having met quite a few people working there, I now know it's somewhere I'd like to work. The interns I spent time with were a great bunch of people - if they're the type of people ICAP want, I'd definitely feel comfortable working with them. Although we learnt a lot, we also had a lot of fun and got to know one another pretty well. I just hope we all get a place next year.
