What would an ideal candidate's CV for Spring Weeks look like?
Hi, I'm curious what a Spring Week candidate would need to have on their resume to land virtually every possible Spring Week offer. What achievements should he have, what certificates and what work experience. Of course, I'm not asking about obvious things like attending a top university, nor am I interested in unrealistic answers. I'm asking about things that are available to every high school student and college freshman and that anyone can do.
High GPA, leadership and involvement in student orgs relevant to finance and someone who seems personable and ambitious
Hey there! If you're aiming to be the top banana in the Spring Week application jungle, here's what you'd ideally want to showcase on your CV:
Academic Achievements: While attending a top university is a given, you should also highlight any academic awards or honors you've received. Strong A-level results or equivalent can also be a plus.
Relevant Work Experience: Internships or work experience in finance, even at a local firm, can demonstrate interest and initiative. If finance-specific opportunities are scarce, any work experience that shows transferable skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication is valuable.
Leadership and Volunteering: Taking the lead in school clubs, sports teams, or community service projects can show off your leadership skills and commitment to the community.
Finance Certifications: While not mandatory, certifications like the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) can add some shine to your CV. They show you're taking steps to understand the industry.
Extra-Curricular Activities: Participation in finance or investment clubs can be a big plus. If your school doesn't have one, consider starting it! That shows initiative and passion for the field.
Competitions and Awards: Any competitions, especially those related to finance or business, where you've placed well or won can be a testament to your skills and competitive spirit.
Personal Projects: If you've managed any personal projects, like a small investment portfolio or a finance-related blog, it can help you stand out.
Networking: While not a CV item, having a network of professionals who can vouch for you or having informational interviews under your belt can be a game-changer.
Remember, it's not just about ticking boxes; it's how you present these experiences on your CV. Tailor your CV to highlight how each experience has equipped you with skills relevant to the finance industry. And don't forget to keep it concise and error-free – monkeys might love bananas, but recruiters definitely don't love typos!
For more tailored advice, consider diving into the WSO Networking Guide or the Resume Review service where professionals can give you personalized feedback. Keep swinging high, and you'll reach those Spring Week offers in no time!
Sources: Spring Week strategy 2021, UK Spring Week Applicant, Apply to spring weeks before or after starting uni?, Should I include my GPA in my resume if it is not ideal?, Resume vs. CV for UK Jobs
Bump
With the caveat that it is impossible to get all the offers due to randomness and interviews, it's not that hard a concept.
Relevant or notable work experience and/or insight things.
Relevant or notable extracurricular activity.
Top grades.
Target school.
Diversity.
This is deliberately vague because a lot can fit these categories.
This barely gets you to screening though. Beyond that I don't give a shit about your CV and only your answers to my questions. (Unfortunately the actual hiring committee sees things slightly differently though).
Thanks for the answer! What kind of work experience do you think a high school student or collage freshman can get?
That depends on who your dad is...
Realistically, not much.
Several banks offer pre-uni work experience (more like insight days than anything) but these are very small programs, usually diversity oriented, and sometimes even targeted at specific schools.
Other than that, any other way to show your interest or show you're a smart go-getter (e.g. entrepreneurship) is great.
Current Y13 here (UK)- gained work experience at JPM by applying in Y12. Their programme opens for applications for one day in October each year. Bear in mind however the 50 of us who got through got told that they get 7000+ applicants each year. I also did work experience at Deloitte which despite not being directly related could show ambition if you can get that. Heard that MS is doing a programme this summer.
As stated above, spring weeks applications are very random. The only thing that matters is the uni name and your leadership roles. The subject studied has no impact.
Just be the son of an MD
That also works haha
Also interested
.
bump
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