Edward Lane

University:
Bristol

Degree Subject:
Economics with study in Continental Europe

Desk:
Risk

Risk gives you the opportunity to explore almost every area of the firm, both inside and out. It is a great way to understand ICAP as well as its high-profile clients and the financial markets. The different roles that I was given within Risk provided variety, plenty of challenges and opportunities to add value to the business.

I spent time observing several broking desks, analysing their roles and discussing my findings with the Risk team. The prospect of meeting with broking desk heads seemed daunting at first as they're often under pressure and time constraints but it didn't take long to realise that they're almost always down-to-earth and willing to help. Other tasks included considering potential 'disaster' scenarios and how we would react to these, interviewing different department heads about business continuity, producing a risk management presentation and assessing the credit risk of our clients.

ICAP doesn't bear risk in the same way the big investment banks do. This means it continues to offer great growth prospects in spite of the current market volatility - and a career focused on job performance and satisfaction.

Over the first few days, we were provided with an overview of ICAP, financial market training and what the role of an intern is through lectures and team building exercises. But the training continued throughout thanks to enthusiastic, cooperative and knowledgeable colleagues.

Be passionate because the more you put in the more you'll get out of your internship. You're an investment to ICAP - so prove to them you're a worthwhile one.