Spring Weeks and timing (London)

Spring Weeks are highly important for breaking into top investment banks, especially in London. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know:

1. Importance of Spring Weeks:

   • Spring Weeks are a structured pathway to securing summer internships at top investment banks. Many banks use Spring Weeks as a pipeline, with a significant portion of summer analyst positions being filled by those who converted their Spring Week experience.
   • For example, at Lazard, 100% of summer analyst positions were filled by Spring Week interns in recent years, and at Jefferies, only a couple of spots were left for non-Spring Week candidates.

2. Getting into Summer Internships Without Spring Weeks:

   • While it is possible to secure summer internships without Spring Weeks, it is significantly more challenging. You’ll need to compensate with strong alternative experiences, such as internships at smaller IBs in M&A, which you mentioned. These can help demonstrate relevant skills and interest in investment banking.
   • Additionally, networking, cold emailing, and leveraging unique experiences (e.g., internships at startups or boutique firms) can help you stand out.

3. Timing for Spring Weeks:

   • Spring Weeks are typically designed for first-year students in a three-year degree or second-year students in a four-year degree. Applying in your second year of a three-year degree might be problematic, as banks may prioritize first-year students.
   • However, your plan to pursue a one-year master’s in finance could align your timeline more closely with traditional Spring Week candidates. You can explain this in your applications, emphasizing that your second-year Spring Week is equivalent to a first-year Spring Week for others.

4. Graduation Date on Applications:

   • When applying for Spring Weeks or summer internships, you should list your bachelor’s graduation date accurately. If you haven’t yet secured admission to a master’s program, avoid listing a speculative graduation date for the master’s degree. Instead, focus on your current degree timeline and mention your intention to pursue a master’s in finance during interviews or cover letters.

Recommendations:

• Apply early for Spring Weeks, as applications are often reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Use your internships at small IBs in M&A to strengthen your CV and demonstrate relevant experience.
• Network with current analysts and alumni to gain insights and potentially secure referrals.
• If you don’t secure a Spring Week, focus on gaining any internship experience during the summer and polishing your CV, cover letter, and interview skills for summer internship applications.

By strategically leveraging your current experience and aligning your timeline with your master’s plans, you can still position yourself competitively for top investment banks.

Sources: (London) So you didn’t get any spring weeks, here’s what you need to do:, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/investment-banking-in-the-uk-an-overview?customgpt=1, Intro to Investment Banking, London IB Summer Internship Discussion 2018