Anvar Mukhametshin

What persuaded you to work for Bank of America?

Mainly its people and the culture. As an intern, I had a chance to connect with a lot of talented, friendly, extremely smart and interesting individuals. They guided me throughout my internship and made me feel welcome. It does feel like one big family here. Everyone cares about each other and watches each other’s backs. Another reason was its scalability. Bank of America has a vast and strong presence around the world.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy my job’s fast-paced, dynamic, and diverse nature. No day is the same which is what makes it exciting. I can never be sure how the day or even the next hour will play out. Also, the learning curve is steep and it never stops. There is a huge number of different products, roles, and markets for you to learn, which are all unique and interesting.

How do you describe the culture at the bank?

The culture is open and people-oriented. There is an enormous focus on diversity & inclusion within Bank of America, and that’s what makes us great. As people from different nationalities and backgrounds work together, our levels of creativity inevitably rise. Another aspect which I do quite enjoy is a flat hierarchy on the floor. I can directly arrange a meeting with the boss of my boss’ boss without having to go through any formal appointments. It’s a friendly set-up. 

How does the bank support your development?

There are many ways including online lectures, face-to-face seminars, and various employee networks. However, I would say the most important for me is mentorship. There is a lot of knowledge passed from seniors to juniors, whether it’s educating on technical aspects of the job or giving tips on how to build healthy work relationships with other colleagues. There is a heavy focus on supporting and guiding new analysts to make sure they get used to their new working environment.

In one word, how would you describe Bank of America?

Supportive.

What advice would you give to students?

While getting good grades is important, I suggest you also focus on polishing your interpersonal skills. Join a debate club, take a leadership role in one of the societies on campus, learn how to present and deliver a speech with confidence. Also, participate in networking sessions, ask people who have your dream job to meet up for a coffee – all of this will give you a great advantage when looking for a job or internship.