UBS Corporate Visit 2025

We had the privilege of visiting UBS, one of the world's leading wealth management firms, where we gained valuable insights into its global banking and market operations. The visit provided a comprehensive overview of UBS’s business structure, career pathways, and the rigorous demands of the investment banking industry. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities in the field. The session featured sharings from Kai (Campus Recruitment Team), Belicia Teo (Associate Director, Global Banking), and Adarsh Puri (Associate Director, Global Markets), each offering perspectives on UBS’s core business functions, internship programs, and career opportunities within investment banking.

Kai: Overview of UBS and Early Career Opportunities

Kai, from UBS’s Campus Recruitment Team, introduced UBS’s five key business divisions, which include Global Wealth Management, Asset Management, Investment Banking, Personal and Corporate Banking, and Group Functions. He explained how these divisions collectively contribute to UBS’s leadership in financial services.

He also shared about UBS’s APAC Junior Talent Programme, which includes:

Summer Internship (10 weeks): For penultimate-year students graduating between Dec 2026 – July 2027.
Off-Cycle Internship (6-12 months): A key pipeline to the Graduate Talent Programme (GTP).
Graduate Talent Programme (18-24 months): A rotational program designed for recent graduates to gain exposure across business divisions.

Kai emphasised that UBS looks for candidates with strong analytical skills, adaptability, and a keen interest in financial markets, as well as a willingness to learn.

Belicia Teo: Introduction to Global Banking

Belicia Teo, an Associate Director in Global Banking, provided insights into the Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) sector and UBS’s Equity & Capital Markets (ECM) offerings. She elaborated on the intricacies of investment banking, explaining how UBS supports clients through buy-side and sell-side advisory, public and private investments, strategic reviews, IPO processes, and debt financing solutions.

She also shared her experience of working on M&A transactions and how investment bankers play a crucial role in structuring deals. Belicia discussed the responsibilities of analysts and interns, which include conducting industry and company research, performing financial modelling and valuation analysis, assisting with due diligence, and preparing presentations for internal and client meetings. She highlighted that interns at UBS get exposed to a variety of deals, allowing them to develop a broad understanding of investment banking functions.

Adarsh Puri: Insights into Global Markets

Adarsh Puri, an Associate Director in Global Markets, discussed UBS’s role in risk management, trading, and financing solutions. He explained how UBS offers a range of services, including execution services, derivatives and structured solutions, and cross-asset financing for institutional clients. He provided insight into how UBS maintains a strong presence in Southeast Asia, collaborating with other UBS offices worldwide to support deal execution in emerging markets.

He described a typical day in his role, which involves analysing market trends, coordinating with traders and clients, and managing risk exposure. He emphasised that a career in global markets requires strong analytical skills, an ability to make quick decisions under pressure, and effective collaboration across teams. He also noted that UBS provides interns with opportunities to take on challenging projects and gain exposure to different functions within the Global Markets division.

GTP(Graduate Talent Programme) Panel Discussion: Experiences from UBS Analysts

The session concluded with a panel discussion featuring Elliana Yeo (Global Banking), Shaun Lee (Global Banking), and Reeka Chow (Global Markets), who shared their experiences as interns and analysts. They spoke about the demanding yet rewarding nature of the Graduate Talent Programme, where interns are expected to work long hours while handling critical tasks such as financial modelling, due diligence, and client presentations.

The panellists emphasised that networking and research are key factors in securing an internship at UBS. They recommended that students interested in investment banking should stay informed about financial markets, develop technical skills, and take advantage of networking opportunities. They also discussed the impact of market volatility on their work, citing AI advancements and geopolitical events such as the US elections as major factors influencing trading strategies.

Key Takeaways from the Visit

The UBS Corporate Visit provided an invaluable opportunity to understand the inner workings of investment banking, wealth management, and trading. The speakers emphasised the importance of technical expertise, adaptability, and networking in building a successful career in the financial sector. Attendees gained key insights into industry trends, market volatility, and the evolving role of technology in banking.

Additionally, some of the most crucial lessons from the visit include:

Technical Expertise Matters: Strong analytical skills, financial modeling, and valuation techniques are crucial.
Adaptability and Resilience: The fast-paced environment demands critical thinking and quick decision-making.
Networking is Key: Engaging with professionals and staying informed about market trends can help secure opportunities.
Attention to Detail is Critical: Producing accurate, well-structured reports and models can distinguish an intern from the rest.
Understanding the Broader Market: Having a macro-to-micro perspective on industry trends enables better decision-making.
Continuous Learning and Growth: Keeping up with evolving financial regulations, market shifts, and new technologies will provide a competitive edge.