Study abroad in London

Hi,

I am right now a sophomore at a semi-target in the U.S. I intend to go study abroad in the fall as it is said that it is nearly impossible to get summer internship if I am not on campus in the spring semester.

I also intend to have an internship/part-time job in my study abroad but not sure where is the best place to go. I am wondering how possible is it to get an internship in London on a study abroad program in the fall. Do companies/banks come to University College London to recruit for summer internship? If so when? And do UK companies hire kids studying abroad?

Thanks

12 Comments
 

To your second question- no. Very tough to work in the UK as a US citizen who needs visa sponsorship.

To address the first part- honestly, I think the spring is a better time to go abroad, Particularly (emphasis on this) if you can find a program that begins in mid or late January. While a lot of people think that January/February is the key time for recruiting, most places have entirely wrapped up recruiting by the end of January, and networking and first rounds take place mostly in November/December (as well as many super days). My friends that are studying abroad now in London are finding themselves having very difficult times getting SA interviews and are feeling pretty desperate, as if you begin you're job search on Jan 1, you are way late.

 
Best Response

Maybe I was unclear in which case I apologize. My friends are studying abroad this semester (fall), and hoping to land positions for summer in banking. Because they are abroad, however, they are unable to network, go to information sessions, and do what it takes to have the best shot possible at most of the top banks. Sure, you can network with employees in London or wherever you are, but it is a lot tougher to land a job in NYC by talking to people in the London office than you would think. Not sure of the reasons for the Visa being so tough to have sponsored, but that is what they have all told me- I imagine that a bank isn't going to take the time to sponsor a Visa for you unless you are truly an outstanding candidate (why would they bother?).

Regarding internships during your study abroad- you are studying abroad- have fun, travel, become cultured, but for God's sake why would you work an internship? I think most employers don't really expect much out of the study abroad experience to begin with.

 

Studying abroad one semester is not a problem. I studied abroad three semesters in a row, and that definitely hurt some of my chances to intern and network but oh well, I definitely do not regret the great experience. As far as internships in London, I interned at Morningstar in the fall as a Data Analyst. Visa restrictions weren't an issue since the internship was unpaid.

 

The same way you get one here in the states. Network.

You likely won't be able to get a paid internship but you could do an unpaid one.

make it hard to spot the general by working like a soldier
 

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