Global Markets Summer Analyst

First found out about BNP at an on campus info session/networking event in March. Event was not well attended by students but the BNP reps seemed happy to be there and were very open with us. Did some research in to the company and then decided to apply to their IB/S&T programs.

I networked extensively with school alumni at the bank, talking with the better part of two dozen alums, all of whom were extremely receptive and happy to go out to bat for me. Also got to talk with several employees who were not school alumni (also very receptive)

Got invited to a first round within 2 weeks of applying, which consisted of 2 back to back 30 minute zoom calls. First round was not overly technical, but both interviewers asked brain teasers, and tested knowledge of markets, (ex. "explain the 2008 recession"). The usual behaviorals were also asked (walk me thru resume, why this bank, etc.). First round had a chill vibe, and I was told that most people who got 1st rounds got the superday.

Both interviews went well enough that I got the superday. Found out about the superday more than a month in advance, which I thought was a bit odd, but would give me more time to prep. I did more networking calls, studied S&T guides, enjoyed my summer.

Superday came and 2/3 of my superday interviewers said they had heard good things about me from MD's, which made me feel good right off the bat with each interview.

First interviewer - Pretty hardo/bad cop, but not in the technical sense. He basically challenged everything I said. I instantly realized what exercise he was conducting and calmly backed up my thoughts, which seemed to satisfy him.

Second Interviewer - Very nice vibe but asked several brain teasers, and some macro economic questions. Got them all right within first 10 min of interview which seemed to make him like me and then the next 20 min were a breeze.

Third interviewer - felt more like a conversation than an interview. I think this guy was testing me for culture/fit and to make sure I was generally a normal person. I genuinely enjoyed those 30 minutes as he was super chill.

A bit less than a week after superday, I got a call from one of my interviewers extending me offer. I accepted soon after.

Overall perception:
Very, very chill culture, with good WLB. Many upper level people had come from DB and CS, and everything was very down to earth. Very international employee base, could audibly hear Chinese, italian, french, spanish, and english being spoken in the cafeteria while waiting for the superday. Everyone I spoke to told me they pay a slight discount when compared to American base but make up for it with better WLB, more vacation days, and generally pleasant company culture.

They put a lot of effort throughout the process, coming to my campus, making interview process simple, and giving us a nice time for the superday. Employees seemed happy to be with the prospectives, and generally seemed like a place on the up and up (at least their american branch)