Looking Back on Blackstone’s First Virtual Summer Analyst and Associate Program
At Blackstone, we believe strongly in the importance of nurturing junior talent. Many of our senior leaders started here as analysts, and we strive to offer young people the same opportunity to grow their careers at the firm. Our summer analyst and associate program, which gives students training and meaningful hands-on experience, is integral to these efforts.
This spring, we faced difficult decisions when the outbreak of COVID-19 put our 2020 plans into question. Despite the challenging backdrop, we wanted to honor our commitment to our incoming summer analysts and associates who are beginning their careers in unprecedented times. Thanks to the efforts of many dedicated colleagues, we determined we could pivot to a 100% virtual format. On June 15th, we welcomed over 120 summer analysts and associates from across the globe to Blackstone.
To make this summer successful, we adjusted several aspects of our programming. We shipped equipment and office supplies to participants’ homes, set up virtual networking events, and strengthened our training offerings. Mentors and colleagues also scheduled regular check-ins to get to know their summer analysts and associates and set clear goals for the program. These small gestures helped translate Blackstone’s culture of teamwork and mentorship to a remote environment.
On day one, I connected with my managers and saw there was a set of goals and expectations for how I could have a successful summer.”
-Jonathan webb, private wealth solutions summer analyst
Working from home can come with some hiccups, from noisy housemates to technical difficulties. Our summer analysts and associates didn’t have to do it alone: with most of the firm working from home, employees at all levels navigated these new experiences together with collegiality and good humor.
A highlight of the summer was the weekly Senior Speaker Series, where leaders from across Blackstone reflected on their career paths and shared advice with the summer class. Founder Steve Schwarzman and President Jon Gray were among the guests who joined these sessions to offer their perspectives.
I don’t feel that I’m missing anything because people have made such an effort to make the experience positive.”
-Emmi eisner, private equity summer analyst
The 2020 summer program experience was not a traditional one, but we hope the skills our summer analysts and associates gained will serve them for the rest of their careers – at Blackstone and beyond.
Watch the video above to follow our 2020 virtual summer analysts and associates through their program.
