FreshLook is a profile-raising virtual event specifically designed to introduce first and second-year female-identifying students of all degree disciplines to a wide range of careers in investment banking. Through informative presentations, panel discussions and informal networking, the event offers the chance to learn from professionals working at some of the world’s top investment banks. It’s a unique opportunity to discover what it’s really like to work in the City – and to ask any questions you might have about one of the most demanding and rewarding careers around.
Requirements
FreshLook is an investment banking insight event for female-identifying undergraduates of all degree disciplines. A career in investment banking is highly competitive and extremely challenging, so it’s important that you have a strong academic background.
We welcome applications from all degree disciplines, so you don’t have to be studying a traditional finance-related subject to apply. What you’ll need is a real desire to find out all you can about the industry, as well as the wide range of intern and full-time opportunities on offer.
You’ll also need to be completing either the first or second year of your degree.
Gallery
Images and videos taken from past Diversity Solutions events pre Covid 19, typically held face to face.
Take a look at some of the past attendees who have gone on to secure places with one of the participating banks, on their internship or graduate programmes.
Click on a photo to find out more about their FreshLook experiences.
Kate
Year attended:
2017.
Which company did you complete an internship with?
Spring Week Insights (Citi, J.P. Morgan)
Why did you find FreshLook useful?
Freshlook was a great introduction to financial services and allows you to gain an insight into a wide range of investment banks. I really enjoyed surrounded by so many driven young women, and I have built some great networks through the Freshlook event. Having the opportunity to talk to graduate recruitment from the firms allows you to ask questions about their hiring process and understand the culture at the firm.
How has the event benefited you since?
The event motivated me to apply for spring week insights and I sent applications quickly to the sponsor firms. I felt it really made my application stand out as I could mention people I had networked with previously and the recruiters could see my interest in their firm. I was successful in gaining a week at J.P. Morgan and Citi and will go onto apply for summer internships in the markets division.
What advice would you give to future students taking part?
Even if you’re not sure about the career path for your future, I would definitely apply to the FreshLook event and internships at the sponsor firms. Coming from a non-finance background I was always worried that my technical ability would let me down but that was not the case. Don’t be scared to ask questions even if you deem them as ‘silly’, and always be confident in your own ability.
Amy
Year Attended FreshLook:
2017.
University and Course Studied:
Management at University of Manchester.
Which bank you completed an internship with:
Deutsche Bank (incoming summer intern).
Why did you find FreshLook useful?
FreshLook is useful as I get to meet like-minded students, hear inspiring talks and network with professionals. The event certainly provides me with invaluable insights into the industry and cemented my career interests.
What advice would you give to future students taking part?
Be active and be prepared to learn. Treat this event as a great opportunity to learn about the industry and meet new people.
Dalia
Year Attended FreshLook:
2017.
University and Course Studied:
Mathematics at University of Edinburgh.
Which bank you completed an internship with:
Royal Bank of Canada.
Why did you find FreshLook useful?
Thanks to FreshLook, I learnt about all the different business areas within the banking sector – and I realised I could find a job here that aligned with my interests. I met a lot of lovely people my age and it was motivational to hear how graduates are building their career – and to understand how valuable an internship can be. I also met some great banking representatives, and seeing my enthusiasm over my lack of experience, one even invited me to the trading floor.
Agota
Year Attended FreshLook:
2015.
University and Course Studied:
Economics at University of Glasgow.
Which bank you completed an internship with:
Royal Bank of Canada (Summer).
Why did you find FreshLook useful?
FreshLook does a great job every year at dismantling the misconceptions around City careers and I have decided to pursue a career in investment banking after attending the event in 2015. It was greatly inspiring to listen to some of the most successful female leaders of the banking industry and hear about the impact they have made. To make the most of this event which brings together ambitious female students from across the UK, make sure to network with recruiters, as well as your peers!
