How to express plans for further study on a CV for London IB

For someone who finished undergrad as far back as 2019, if applying for a 2025 IB internship at a top bank that requires a 2026 graduation DATE, given the fact that application to most 2025 1-year target master's programs would not be open before 2025 SA applications open, do you write out the course title & university name of your intended master's program, OR is it okay to only just write a single line (in the Education Section of your CV) stating that you intend to commence a 1-year master's program immediately after the summer internship?

14 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

  1. Expressing Plans for Further Study on a CV:

    • When applying for a 2025 IB internship at a top bank that requires a 2026 graduation date, you need to ensure that your CV reflects your status as a penultimate year student. This is crucial because many banks only consider penultimate year students for summer internships.
  2. How to Write It:

    • Single Line in Education Section: It is acceptable to write a single line in the Education section of your CV stating your intention to commence a 1-year master’s program immediately after the summer internship. This approach is straightforward and ensures clarity.
    • Example: Education [Your University], [Your Degree] Intended: 1-year Master’s Program, [University Name], Starting [Month, Year]
  3. Additional Tips:

    • Timing Your Application: Timing is incredibly important. Make sure to apply as early as possible in the application process.
    • Networking: Network with people who have gone through the process at the banks you are targeting. This can provide valuable insights and help you prepare better.
    • Preparation: Be prepared for online tests and interviews. Practice thoroughly to ensure you perform well.
  4. Penultimate Year Status:

    • If you are currently not taking any courses but are officially registered as a student, you can consider yourself in your penultimate year until a specific date (e.g., August 31st). This can be used to your advantage when applying for internships.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate your plans for further study and align your CV with the requirements of top banks for their summer internship programs.

Sources: International Student - Chance of getting an IBD internship in London?, Advice for Princeton MFin Applicants, What should go on my resume and cover letter in my circumstance for internship applications (RE specific), Resume Guidelines from a WSO Drop Reviewer, This kid's got the PERFECT Resume

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I hear MBAs are not so much a thing in UK, plus I was not working in all times these 5 years. Personal financial challenges wouldn't allow a reputable MBA too.
I imagine it would be better for midterm career to start IB at the lowest entry level, as the bulk of previous experience was not directly relevant

 

Do not say you are in a program you are not actually in. Below is an idea that you should wordsmith a bit more for what you can put on your resume. 

"Expected Program: Masters in finance              Expected Graduation Date: May 2026"

The point is you need to identify that you aren't actually in a program right now/you have not yet accepted an offer, you intend to get whatever degree you are planning on getting, and when you plan to graduate. And for "finance", just put whatever program you are actually applying for.

 

What about application forms that don't allow / make provision for stating that you are planning a future master's without specifying a school? For certain application forms, it seems you have no choice but to specify a school to meet the graduation date requirements—but obviously I won't specify an unconfirmed school on the CV itself, just only the application form—would that be a problem for pre-internship background check (if the start date on the application form is so many months into the future)?

 

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