Investment Banking Week by the Numbers
Stands for the world's leading investment banks were hosted in the large areas of the Via Roentgen building on the Bocconi University campus. Inside the crowded hall, students listened with interest to talks held by many prestigious guests. But this all took place virtually, as required by this unusual year. The Investment Banking Week organized by the Bocconi University Career Service was back again this year, from 28 September to 2 October, in a different but no less effective capacity. Nineteen banks attended a series of days dedicated to students interested in discovering the world of investment banking. They had the opportunity to watch presentations, find out about internship programs and possibly lay the foundations to participate in the recruitment process.
The event aims to provide students and graduates of the Undergraduate School (up to 1 year after graduation) as well as the Graduate School and the School Law (up to 3 years from graduation) the chance to meet recruiters and professionals operating in the Investment Banking sector. And the numbers are truly remarkable. An orientation program was held during the first part of the week in collaboration with the banks, involving about 1,800 students in meetings, round tables with speakers from the sector and mock interview sessions. Then, on 1-2 October, participating students and graduates were able to visit the virtual stands, get information on internship and placement opportunities via chat and video chat with employers, collect information and submit their applications, all part of the Virtual Career Fair. They also attended presentations held by participating banks in the form of webinars. All in all, there were 1,300 visitors, 11,000 unique visits to virtual stands and an average participation of 320 students and graduates in the 18 webinars.   
"Seeing so many recruiters available in one place, albeit virtual, is a unique opportunity for anyone who, like me, envisions their career in this sector," says Maddalena Grassi, a student enrolled in the first year of the Finance program. "I was able to attend presentations held by several banks and then chat with them for more information. What struck me was what a tight-knit group they are, their sense of belonging. People often have a somewhat dry image of investment banks, but from what I understood talking to people who have worked in the sector for years, the feeling is completely the opposite. After participating in this event, I'm even more sure of my ideas," continues Maddalena. "It's an experience I would recommend to everyone."
Even with the new format, the event was a success for banks as well. So says Sandra Hegedus, AVP, EMEA Talent Attraction & Engagement Manager at Citi: "Even before the pandemic we had planned to more frequently shift our campaigns to virtual mode. The Bocconi event went very well. The platform used was intuitive and worked well for both live presentations and student chats. More than 200 students attended our presentation. They seemed really engaged and participated actively, asking a lot of great questions."