I am feeling the stress at my 1st year of uni

Hey everyone,

This is my first time using this platform, so please excuse me if I sound silly or out of culture.

I'm a first-year student at a UK target university, actively applying to spring insight programs. I've gathered feedback from older students who've interned at big firms, and they provided positive responses regarding my experiences, CV, and Cover Letter. I have relevant finance experience (though not in investment banking), held society positions, am multilingual, and maintain excellent grades. However, despite applying on the first day programs opened, I haven't received any responses, while others around me are progressing to last rounds and ACs.

It is surprising to see how some students secure investment banking internships in their first year. I've been cold emailing and reaching out on LinkedIn, but either I get ignored or people claim they aren't offering internships, even though they've had interns in the past.

On the topic of referrals, it's challenging for me as my family isn't connected to finance. When reaching out on LinkedIn or via email, I often face silence, and even when I manage to get someone on a call, they inform me they don't provide referrals at their company.

I'm seeking advice on the best strategy to navigate this situation. What additional steps can I take at this point? I appreciate any guidance.

Thank you

7 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Are you receiving HireVues? If not, you're not passing the tests/CV screening and you need to either practice doing more tests or have someone review your CV. 

Are you receiving telephone interviews? If not, you need to record and review your answers to practice interview technique. 

It could be however that you're crushing everything and are getting very unlucky. The truth is that due to the high volume of applications to spring weeks, a lot of getting in is down to luck - recruiting is a semi-random process. 

Don't forget, this isn't your only opportunity. You will get the chance to apply to summer internships the following year and have lots of time to prepare until then.

Hope this helps. 

 

Hi man I'm also 1st year doing 4 year course so planning to apply spring weeks next year. What sorts of experience did you do to help apply for springs?

Thanks a lot

 

most springs are quiet atm ,they wont all have handed out offers till feb/march.  if you've applied everywhere and have a good base profile then you must at least be invited to interview at one eventually. 

 

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