Friday, June 25, 2010

I'm almost halfway there!

Hello to all,

The summer is going by so fast...its already been 4 weeks since I started, and I am about to
have my mid-year review. Work is getting complex, but I am enjoying every minute. Besides
being in charge of several daily reports, I am also analyzing different risks, creating cost savings, making sure that our product revenue is accurately tracked and solving day to
day issues (which really involve digging and contacting people). In addition, I am also organizing activities and events for our equities and cash teams, so that they get to spend more time together and continue to strengthen the working relationship that exists between these two control groups. Furthermore, I have created a few process manuals (so that the next intern or employee has no problems in taking on all the activities that I am responsible for) and have been looking over our highschool intern.
Work has certainly been busy, and work days are long, but go by so quickly, you wont even notice it is already 9 or 10 or 11 pm.

Now it is time for me to relax and get ready for work tomorrow. Too bad I won't be able to watch the US-Ghana match, but I will certainly be watching the replays; and of course, looking forward to SUNDAY...VAMOS MEXICO!!! SI SE PUEDE!

That is it for now!
Drop me a line or ask me some questions!

Have a great weekend and best regards,

Alex

Monday, June 21, 2010

Things are looking bright

Hope you all didn't miss me so much, but as expected, work is getting busier and busier every day.
I started off working on a few reports a day and I am now working on about 12 daily reports. Some of them are for internal use and others go to upper management. JPMorgan is an amazing company and operates as a meritocracy. It also furthers diversity and communication amongst teams and employees across all lines of business.
In addition to work, I have been able to meet several people in the industry from across different companies, and I am receiving invitations to different seminars and networking events. So it is safe to say that things are going really well on the professional side of things.

On the fun side, I can't complain! The city has so much to offer and provides for so many opportunities. For example, a week ago I stood in line to receive a "Key to the City," which gives me access to several places that are closed to the public and across all five boroughs. I haven't been able to take advantage of it yet, but I plan on doing so. Furthermore, I went to central park this past sunday, and had a great workout (and lots of fun) with the rowboats at the lake. Finally, I watched "Toy Story 3" in 3-D! It was my first time watching a 3-D movie and it was amazing.

Well, I know this is a bit short, but I better get going. Please let me know if you would like me to touch on a subject or if you have any questions about my stay in New York.

Will write to you soon!

Alex

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

A busy week!

Hello to all,

I am sorry for not posting anything during the last week, but it has been an intense couple of days. I have been assigned a great team in JP Morgan, working on US Equity Derivatives, where (in plain english) I will be pricing and reporting on financial products such as options, futures, swaps, structured notes and more.
I have gone through extensive training in the Microsoft Suite. Extensive enough that I have learned how to utilize excel without laying a finger on the mouse! In addition to this I have been able to attend several seminars where I have learned much from experts in Investment Banking and I have been able to network with these great people.

Furthermore, I have now moved into my place (Brooklyn Heights)and settled in. The area is peaceful and alive at the same time. There are many ehtnic restaurants, movie theatres, including one that screens independent films only, friendly people and the best view of New York City!
I have a roommate who comes from Florida (Andre) and will be working with Goldman Sachs this summer. He is definitely a great guy and I am really looking forward to what this summer has in store in terms of professional experiences and networking. I am loving the fact that everyone here is so driven and outgoing, allowing me to be at the top of my game and pushing myself at all times.

Well, that is a snapshot of the last week. I will keep you posted on any new developments and if you have any questions do not hesitate to shoot me a line.

Until next time,

Alex