Company: The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS)
Position: Asia Pacific - Global Banking & Markets - Summer Internship Programme - GBM Markets - Singapore - Research & Strategy Analyst
Description of a Research & Strategy Analyst
Research & Strategy provides insights across economics, interest rates, foreign exchange, credit, emerging markets and commodities. If you enjoy intellectually rigorous work, this is an excellent career choice. As a researcher, your insights will not only feed into major financial decisions; they may even shape the opinion of entire markets. You will also develop your communication skills. Whether you’re discussing market developments or explaining a new product, you will over time develop close contact with our clients.
What RBS looks for in a Research & Strategy Analyst
Excellent analytical skills are essential for anyone thinking about a career in Research & Strategy. The ability to communicate your findings clearly and concisely is also key.
Note: This is an online application. The requirements are not explicitly stated on the website, so the best I can get is the job description and what RBS looks for in the applicants.
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25 August 2010
Tan Yong Feng
[my address]
HP: 9*******
Email: tanyongfeng@ymail.com
The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS)
Singapore Land Tower #08-00
50 Raffles Place
Singapore 048623
Dear Sir/Madam,
RE: Application for Research & Strategy Analyst (Summer Internship Programme)
I am writing in response to the position of a Research & Strategy Analyst for the Summer Internship Programme in 2011. I am a driven and passionate individual with a strong interest in the investment banking and finance industry. RBS’s prestigious track record and excellent business name is highly regarded in the sector and I would be honored to contribute my talents and skills to the successful attainment of the firm’s goals.
I am currently on my penultimate year of my undergraduate studies as a Statistics major in National University of Singapore (NUS). At NUS, I have developed a very unique educational experience which has combined academic studies and character building. Studying statistics has developed my analytical skills through the analysis of samples and data. In addition, the rigorous lab work in statistical modeling and programming lessons have prepared me well for research-based job scopes.
Furthermore, I am part of the executive committee of the Tabletop Gaming Interest Group (TGiG) in NUS. The weekly board gaming sessions have given me the opportunity to improve my communication skills and interact with a diverse group of undergraduates, ranging from locals to foreigners from China, Malaysia and India. I was also in the organizing committee of Gaming Lallapalooza 2009, which was a board gaming competition held in Singapore. Within the short period of time, I was entrusted to various tasks from looking for sponsorships to being one of the judges for the final round.
During the summer of 2009, I went on a 7-week exchange programme in Queretaro, Mexico. I studied in Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM). In addition, I participated in a 2-week China Immersion Programme during the summer of 2010. I believe it is important to step out of my comfort zone and explore the different cultures and lifestyles the world that we live in offers. These programmes have taught me to be independent while living in a foreign country far from my own, to be adaptable in an unfamiliar environment, and to be sensitive to people who are from different cultural backgrounds.
I believe these are portable skills which I can bring to RBS as a Research & Strategy Analyst. Please feel free to contact me at 9******* (HP) should you have any questions. Attached is my resume for your perusal. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Truly yours,
Tan Yong Feng
Hi Yong Feng!
ReplyDeleteThe body of this application letter is well written. However, I notice that you do not write down the name and address of the receipient. Is that intentional?
Hi Riyan,
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing that out. This is actually supposed to be an online submission. So I'm assuming that the address of the receipient is not needed in this case. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Hi Yong Feng,
ReplyDeleteI faced the same dilemma because my application letter is also for online application. However, i decided to put the company's address in the end. I think it will show that we make the effort to find that out? That is just my opinion. Let me know what is your take on that. =)
Hi Sheila, I did a Google search for mine and I found out that there are a few locations which RBS is located in Singapore. If I were to put the address, I'm not entirely sure which one is the correct one.
ReplyDeleteI think I will just leave mine as it is.
Hi Yong Feng!
ReplyDeleteI like the way you start your first paragraph, it is clear and shows the employer how driven you are. The first paragraph is very important in a cover letter as it should impress and set the hook for the HR manager to want to read more and find out about you.
You did a good job!
Hi Yong Feng，
ReplyDeleteI think the first paragraph is very effective. You point out why you choose RBS and your personality.
However, I feel that it would be better if you could point out the skills you have acquired in the 4th paragrah so that it would be clearer for the employers.
Thanks.:)
Hi Cosine,
ReplyDeleteThe skills which I mentioned in the fourth paragraph was actually referring to the last sentence of the previous paragraph. "These programmes have taught me to be independent while living in a foreign country far from my own, to be adaptable in an unfamiliar environment, and to be sensitive to people who are from different cultural backgrounds."
Perhaps I was not clear in my wordings. Thanks for your input!
Hello Yong Feng,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good application letter. You have related your experiences to the job requirements.
Especially by mentioning that you're able to communicate effectively with a diverse group of people through the various overseas exchange programmes.
The letter could be a bit shorter though.
:)