Year 12 student looking for work experience for finance in London.
Hi all,
I’m a motivated sixth-form student based in the UK with a strong interest in finance, particularly investment banking and private equity. I’ve been actively building my experience through industry events, online simulations, and summer programs, and I’m now hoping to take the next step by gaining hands-on work experience in a real-world finance environment.
If any professionals or employers on here are open to offering short-term work experience or insight days – even just a week – I’d greatly appreciate the opportunity. I’d be more than happy to send across my CV and personal statement to support my application.
Thanks in advance, and I’m looking forward to learning from those already in the sector.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable steps for a Year 12 student like you to secure work experience in finance in London:
Spring Week and Insight Programs: Many banks in London offer programs specifically for A-Level students. Examples include Deutsche Bank’s "I Have a Dream" program and Merrill Lynch’s Atlantic Fellowship. These programs are short-term and provide exposure to the finance industry.
Networking: Start connecting with professionals through LinkedIn or alumni from your school who are in finance. A polite message expressing your interest and asking for advice or opportunities can go a long way.
Shadowing Opportunities: Reach out to smaller firms, boutique investment banks, or local financial advisors. They may be more open to offering informal shadowing opportunities.
Online Applications: Apply to graduate positions or internships at larger banks, even if the odds are slim. Firms like JPMorgan, HSBC, Barclays, and Credit Suisse have divisions like PWM (Private Wealth Management) that sometimes consider younger candidates for insight days.
Leverage School Resources: Check if your school has partnerships with finance firms or alumni networks. Some schools have connections that can help students secure placements.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is optimized for the London finance market. Highlight your participation in industry events, online simulations, and summer programs.
Timing is Key: Keep track of application deadlines for programs and internships. Many firms have strict timelines, and applying early can improve your chances.
If you’re proactive and persistent, these steps can help you land valuable experience in the finance sector. Good luck!
Sources: Investment Banking in the UK - An Overview, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/investment-banking-in-the-uk-an-overview?customgpt=1, International Student - Chance of getting an IBD internship in London?, Intro to Investment Banking, Q&A: Experienced Investment Banking & Private Equity professional in Nigeria
Hey, love that you’re thinking about this early. You’ll be in a great position to apply for spring weeks when you go to university (a lot of people don’t even realise these exist until it’s too late).
Firstly, I wouldn’t worry too much about insight days before you start university. Spring weeks are for first years and so academic background and society membership is going to pull the most weight, they don’t expect you to have much if any experience.
That being said, some banks do offer insight programmes for Year 12/13 (JPM, Morgan Stanley, HSBC, etc.), You can view these on Bristol Tracker - thus will also be very useful during the spring week process.
https://the-trackr.com/uk-finance/uk-finance-pre-university/
As a final thought, would recommend changing your username and profile picture to something anonymous.
Hope this helps and best of luck!
Thank you Patrick for the advice, I was wondeirng of getrting experience because im thinking of applying to degree apprenticeships because they are extremely competitive and I see many people around my age who are getting these work experiences in the finance industry which may reduce my chances of getting one.
Just a warning on degree apprenticeships. They tend to be over hyped by people’s parents who don’t understand what investment banking is. The ones offered by JPM and such are in the back/middle office and are not investment banking at all.
Though these sound great because of the brand and lack of debt attached, they tend to pigeonhole you. If you want to break into investment banking, these degree apprenticeships aren’t the route to take.
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