A day in the life of an SMBC Intern: Ish Singh

There’s a shared, unspoken sense of belonging, respect, and understanding among everyone. During the interview process, I had the chance to meet several members of the leveraged finance department, which gave me valuable insight into the type of work they do. I was truly impressed and inspired by the team, and this strengthened my desire to work at SMBC.

I work in the Specialised Products Department as part of the Leveraged Finance team. My role involves covering a range of large cap deals across diverse sectors, making every transaction a unique learning opportunity. Typically, each deal requires a thorough critical analysis of commercial and financial due diligence to understand company and market dynamics, historical financial performance, and the identification of key risks along with their mitigating factors. A significant portion of my role also involves building financial models and conducting credit analysis to evaluate the viability of deals and forecast future performance. The findings are compiled into a detailed credit paper for the credit department's internal analysis, this document highlights key aspects such as risks, opportunities, debt structure, and other critical considerations.

A typical day starts with a morning catch-up with colleagues, followed by preparing for the day by checking emails to stay up-to-date and creating a prioritized to-do list. My list categorizes tasks from high priority to less urgent items that need to be addressed during the day. I then dedicate time to working on ongoing transactions, combined with team meetings. These meetings not only allow me to collaborate with the rest of my department but also provide an opportunity to understand my colleagues' roles and gain valuable insights into their day-to-day responsibilities.

For lunch, I usually meet up with the other interns in the office canteen, called The Machi, and we often enjoy a short walk around Broadgate Circle afterward. In the afternoon, I revisit my to-do list to ensure I complete any remaining tasks and provide support to my deal team. This structured approach helps me stay productive and manage my workload efficiently throughout the day.

I enjoy coming into the office and collaborating with my colleagues, who inspire me with their expertise and experience. Working alongside them provides invaluable opportunities to learn and grow. I particularly enjoy the credit discussions, as they challenge me to think critically and dive deeply into the details of each deal. The supportive and inclusive culture within the team makes it easy to tackle challenges, and I always feel encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and actively contribute. I also value the social events within the Leveraged Finance team, as they foster strong connections and create a sense of team spirit. Moreover, I enjoy the broad exposure this role offers across various industries, ensuring that each day is dynamic, enriching, and full of learning opportunities.

My advice would be to apply as soon as possible! I’m grateful for my placement at SMBC and the opportunity to experience leveraged finance in depth. One of the most important things to do is research the company, especially focusing on recent updates or achievements within the specific department you’re applying to.

During the interview, it’s essential to confidently share what you know, but don’t be afraid to ask questions if you're unsure about something—showing curiosity and interest is always appreciated. The interview is a great opportunity to learn more about the team and the company, so make sure to ask insightful questions. I was very nervous before my own interview, and it’s completely normal to feel that way. The key is to prepare thoroughly in advance—practice your answers and, if possible, reach out to previous interns for advice.

Finally, remember to be true to yourself and view the entire application process as a learning experience. No matter the outcome, you’ll gain valuable insights that will help you moving forward.