So, this summer one of the best things that ever happened to me unexpectedly and without any precondition is the wonderful opportunity to participate in ML SWMP 2008.

A.K later mentioned that I was very privileged to have the chance to take part in this excellent program, which was actually marketed as a program targeted at young investors about finance and investment.

Needless to say, being an economics major from a school where the majority of the economic major all aspire to be bankers at the best firms in the world, this was definitely a very rewarding, educational, as well as informative session.

During that 9 days, I had lots of high-quality exposure to various people from ML as well as external staff who came in and gave excellent presentations introducing various topics on finance, ways to manage your money, as well as the pros and cons of different investment vehicles. I would definitely say that I had more background knowledge and general overview of an investment bank (to be sure, this was also a very good way to introduce myself to investment, banking - in short, it was also a very good pre-internship program to be immersed in because of the outstanding education, human resource, and foundation that was put into this program).

I would also definitely say that I am much more interested in the industry than I was before, and that now I would also be able to understand finance news better because I have heard much more about investment and likewise expanded my finance vocabulary.

V.T, when asked what makes a good intern and how one goes about to work for ML or any other place is that you must possess these qualities, or that the following describes you:

-Good communicator
-Willing to take risk
-Outgoing personality
-Creative - in general, finance requires a LOT of creativity
-[Be able to] speak clearly; and
-Communicate effectively

I think pretty much all of the above have also been reiterated by A.S from Research department.

At the end of the day, passion and personality is what matters. Effectively, the two important qualities that motivates a team and that drives the firm to be successful in the long run.

Banks are like universities - they want the best but they also want a mix. So if you're someone who is also funny, outgoing, and individualistic on top of the excellent caliber of skills and education that you will contribute, you will surely make it to the top.

The last part was very, very reassuring.

And I have to thank J.G for making this possible. Without his assistance I would no doubt still be shrouded in anxiety, and pre-occupied with unnecessary hesitations and confusion about so many things that a lot of my peers may not necessarily know themselves (i.e., it's just hype).