SEO really does change you as a person into a more focused, effective and driven person. The pre- and post-SEO difference is quite drastic, as you're no longer just a student after your exposure to the real world of finance.
The SEO programme has a real community spirit and sense of support and family. It is a fantastically comprehensive programme; you couldn't have a more perfect introduction into the world of investment banking. It exposes you to opportunities, industry information and a broader education on being a professional than is possible anywhere else.
I am very appreciative and happy with the experience, definitely a landmark summer in my life. Thank you, SEO!
Waliyah Abiola SEO Intern 2005, Investment Banking Programme
The best thing about the summer has been learning so much in just ten weeks, being able to get a real insight into what working life is really about. The internship has taught me what hard work is about and also to believe in myself. It has given me the motivation to succeed and pursue my goals.
My SEO mentor was also a great support - I was able to contact him with any problems and any advice I needed. It was helpful to have a mentor that was not related to the bank so that he could give me impartial advice, and I really could be totally honest with him.
Navneet Sehmi SEO Intern 2006, Investment Banking Programme
Unbelievable people, infinite support, unlimited opportunities. This is a truly wonderful programme where you are made to feel very special and yearn to continually give back to all those that have helped you.
Nahed Ahmed SEO Intern 2005, Investment Banking Programme
The SEO programme is a life changing experience. Not only did I get the opportunity to enter the highly competitive investment banking industry, I also met many new friends and learnt a lot from the support provided by SEO. I will definitely be forever indebted to this wonderful programme!
Chang Yate Tan SEO Intern 2005, Investment Banking Programme
Taking my first steps into the world of investment banking, SEO has provided a formidable network for the future and a strong support platform, where help is never more than a phone call away!
Timan Gill SEO Intern 2005, Investment Banking Programme
Undoubtedly one of the best summers I've had! SEO alumni, mentors and staff all contributed to this experience by being approachable, friendly and supportive.
Soraya Haq SEO Intern 2005, Investment Banking Programme
SEO is truly a global family - it is all about sharing and giving back - a great network to be a part of!
Dami Adesanya SEO Intern 2006, Investment Banking Programme
Joining SEO London has been a wonderful experience. I applied for the Corporate Law programme because I wanted to get more insight into the field. The programme has been so much more than I imagined it would be. It gets you real exposure, through training and networking events. It has also been very inspiring to be in the company of so many driven young people. I’ve been very touched by all the help and support received through the SEO programme. It really helps to have experienced individuals offering advice especially as I only joined in the final year of my LLB studies.
Justina Chen SEO Intern 2008, Corporate Law Programme
When I applied, I believed that the SEO First Year Fast Track Programme would provide me with an excellent introductory platform to learn about the investment banking industry, the major banks and their business areas. I was not disappointed. The programme fulfilled all my expectations. In addition, I obtained an insight into the different banks’ cultures and learnt a great deal more about SEO as an organisation. SEO also provided me with invaluable networking opportunities with its sponsor banks and alumni. Without a doubt, the key thing for me is the wonderful people I met during the programme, which included both the SEO staff and my peers.
Gordon Chua First Year Programme Participant March 2008
Being a first year student, opportunity wasn’t exactly knocking at my door. One of the main reasons I applied to SEO was because for me SEO dissolved the stereotypical view of waiting till your second year to get the ball rolling in your life! Having attended the First Year Fast Track Programme, I was able to benefit from key educational presentations from top industry professionals on the various sectors of the bank and get a good insight to the industry through interactive workshops and engaging networking events. Thanks to being involved with the SEO programme, I was subsequently selected for a spring internship placement at a major investment bank, which is more than I ever expected to achieve in my first year of university. The key thing about the programme for me was the interactivity of the whole event. The Q&A sessions taught me a lot more than any textbook could and being able to have conversations with people about aspects of their jobs provided a lot more information than any website could even dream to supply!
Omar El-Masri First Year Programme Participant March 2008
I applied to the SEO First Year Fast Track programme because I believed the programme would prove to be an invaluable learning experience for me. I hoped to gain some valuable knowledge about investment banking such as: what is the daily workload of an investment banker, the types of challenges faced and how economic factors such as volatile stock markets, inflation and interest rates affect investment banking activities. SEO has benefited me by linking me up with different banks and keeping me up to date about different events which I find very helpful. Being in this programme has helped me understand investment banking more and I have also met an amazing set of individuals who are as determined as I am to meet their goals.
Abimbola Ayininuola First Year Programme Participant March 2008
The training prepared us incredibly well both in terms of the work and culture to expect. The support before, during and after the internship was very valuable.
Divya Goenka SEO Intern 2006, Investment Banking Programme
I met fantastic people. The best network of support one can imagine to have during a tough summer in investment banking, from my SEO class to the Alumni, to the SEO team. Really all extraordinary people, out there to make a difference.
Diana Parades SEO Intern 2006, Investment Banking Programme
What I liked about the programme was the confidence boost I gained from the pre-internship training and the family-like support and guidance that was readily available from both the SEO team and the SEO class.
Funke Abdulai SEO Intern 2005, Investment Banking Programme
The exclusive-to-SEO networking events are a great way to build valuable contacts and more importantly provide a unique window into banks' people and culture, which can help you to decide where you fit in best.
Aanchal Anand SEO Intern 2005, Investment Banking Programme
SEO offered me the opportunity to enter a challenging and demanding industry that I had not previously considered, supporting and encouraging me to attain my highest potential. The exposure that I got throughout the summer was unparalleled and the friendships I made were unforgettable. I was welcomed into a close knit family that I am truly proud to belong to!
Ling Chi Chang SEO Intern 2004, Investment Banking Programme
SEO is unique in all respects. It provided me with the expertise and platforms to interact with some of the UK’s top business people at the top investment banks on a professional and personal level. Above all SEO provides you with a sense of belonging to a motivated group of people with one vision and one drive: success! I strongly recommend it!
Ronald Chirochangu SEO Intern 2003, Investment Banking Programme
SEO provided unrivalled access to all the sponsor banks. While a direct internship allows you to experience one bank only, SEO opens the door to a range of opportunities which you can utilise to learn about the broader industry.
Bryan Mezue SEO Intern 2006, Investment Banking Programme
I applied to SEO after being recommended by a friend, not really knowing what to expect. I soon came to recognise SEO’s dedication to providing each and every intern with unparalleled training, mentoring and exposure. The support network is fantastic! From buddies to mentors to classmates to the SEO staff you really feel part of a global network that is there to ensure you maximise your chances of success. Through this programme I have met great people, gained access to many of the brightest minds in finance, expanded my inter-personal skills and learnt what hard work is really about.
The SEO experience is truly unique and has provided me with the perfect platform from which to launch my career in investment banking.
Abdiwali Elmi SEO Intern 2008, Investment Banking Programme
I applied to SEO not only because of its invaluable relationships with its partner banks, but for the extra opportunities it offers. These include the support network of the alumni, mentoring, training, networking and exposure to many firms.
All these elements were vital to unlock the full potential of an internship and gain a foothold within the investment banking industry. In addition, the support, information and advice SEO provided can be hard to find within ethnic minority communities, which is where SEO steps in.
SEO has benefited me by educating me about the industry, its nature, its partner banks, and working in a professional firm in general. Things I have learnt can apply to many different situations and enabled me to develop skills I can use anywhere.
The key thing about the SEO programme has been the relationships I have built and continue to build from the networking events, enabling me to meet students from all backgrounds. I truly believe these relationships and the ones formed with the banks are some of the most valuable things that only SEO can offer.
Aleha Miah SEO Intern 2008, Technology Programme
The SEO First Year Fast Track programme was an excellent two-day insight programme, which consisted of detailed overviews of the various divisions in an investment bank, case studies, interactive business games and panel discussions with senior bankers from the leading investment banks. I thoroughly benefited from networking with senior industry professionals, SEO alumni and recruiters from the banks and to my utmost delight, was fortunate enough to secure the opportunity to intern at one of these banks over the Easter holiday following the SEO programme. The key thing about being in the programme for me is that it enabled me to develop my inter-personal skills and leadership skills as I networked with peers and professionals in the industry, gain the confidence to ask questions during the overview sessions and work in teams effectively.
Jimi Adesanya First Year Programme Participant March 2008
I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of SEO and, of course, my mentor. Ultimately, mentoring provides so much fulfilment for both parties. And at the end of day, you just want to be able to give back as much as you can to the SEO family.
Alexian Lien SEO London Mentor, SEO USA Intern 2001
I want to give back to the SEO programme and I personally find it fulfilling to help people achieve their goals. The mentoring scheme helped me achieve my goal of converting my internship into a full-time offer. As such, I am keen to teach mentees the required etiquette, help them maximise their internships and ultimately receive a full-time offer. Being able to educate and help mentees in the same very thorough way I was mentored gives me fulfilment. I find the two-way support system invaluable, i.e. not only do I get assistance in the different areas and stages of my career, I have the opportunity to help out and support talented individuals joining the programme. What more can I ask SEO for?
Uche Njoku SEO London Mentor, SEO London Intern 2004, Investment Banking Programme