Completely lacking financial work experience. What actions can I take to try to gain some over this summer to apply for SA roles later on?

Hi, I'm a 1st Year Student studying Finance at a semi target university in the UK. I have a triple A is my A levels and I am on track for a first through my first year exams. I'm a part of my university Trading society but I'm not in a position of leadership. 
 

I didn't apply to any Spring Weeks mainly because (I know this a stupid reason) but because I didn't have any relevant financial experience and the competitiveness of it sort of put me off. Also to be honest I wasn't really sure whether the field of IB was something I was really quite interested in. I strongly regret this because I do now want to try and gain some experience in the financial field and this was a big opportunity I stupidly decided to pass up on. Therefore I find myself at a big disadvantage compared to my peers and especially people at target unis. So now I want to try and gain something to put on my CV for next September when Summer Analyst positions open up however I am really struggling as to what I should do since the deadlines for practically all opportunities have finished. I’m fully aware that I’ve put myself in this predicament for no good reason but I need some guidance as to what actions I can take immediately and until Sept/Oct/Nov when Summer Analyst applications will open to have some sort of chance of making it.

Thanks.

 

Firstly, well done for showing that humility and honesty - rare in this industry.

Secondly, it's tough (as you recognise), so I'd suggest trying to do some hustling yourself to show a little entrepreneurship in making money (might be starting a YouTube channel maybe or even painting houses or finding a temp job). If you have any friends / family with their own business, try to get any unpaid work even.

Third, my #1 recommendation to secure that SA role summer is to NOT wait until September. A lot of roles are already open.

Finally, make sure to get a story lined up for why you didn't apply for spring weeks. You'll be asked at interview. I wouldn't suggest lying, but maybe there's some travel or charity work you can refer to. That said, with some (not all), interviewers, the candor will resonate well. Unfortunately though, it's difficult to tell in advance.

 

Firstly thanks so much for taking the time to respond, I appreciate it a lot. I do actually have some employment at a tuition business but I’m struggling to figure out how I could use that in my CV for SA roles since there’s no sort of relevant technical skills I can showcase through that. What sort of themes/ideas/skills should I try to demonstrate to someone reading my CV that might actually help my application? Or should I try to get a job somewhere else which may be more relevant?

 
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