Photo by Jakub Żerdzicki on Unsplash
By Fola Akinsuyi, second-year student studying industrial economics with a placement year
Hello everyone, my name is Fola and this year I began applying for spring weeks, summer internships and industrial placements.
I was fortunate enough to land a spring week at Standard Chartered in Corporate & Investment Banking and an industrial placement at Wellington Management in Asset Management.
Spring weeks
For those who are not familiar, spring weeks are programmes run during the spring vacation holidays by firms which provide further exposure into their respective divisions. They are also an opportunity to potentially be fast-tracked to a summer internship the following year.
Insight days
My interest in finance, specifically asset management, developed after attending multiple insight days at financial institutions where I learned more about the sector and spoke to experienced professionals working in the field.
The industry resonates with me because it combines analytical thinking with client interaction, which aligns closely with my previous work experience and the aspects of work I enjoy the most.
Part-time work
Alongside this and my studies, I work part-time at the Careers and Employability Service (CES). This role has further developed my time management, communication and organisational skills, where I support fellow students with booking appointments, events and general career queries.
Being part of CES also meant being constantly surrounded by helpful resources and advice on applications, which gave me the ability to approach the recruitment process more strategically.
Challenging times
Despite this, my journey has not been linear. I faced several rejections and moments where the process felt incredibly overwhelming.
Looking back, those difficult moments proved to be valuable as they refined my approach and allowed me to better understand what employers were looking for.
Reflecting back
Based on my experience, I wanted to share a few tips that helped me throughout the process.
1. Start early
Internship programmes are becoming increasingly competitive, and many students do not realise that firms begin to open applications in August and September.
Having your CV and cover letter templates ready before application season begins can help you stay organised and avoid feeling rushed when opportunities open, leading to stronger applications.
2. Be clear about your motivations
Employers want to understand why you are interested in their organisation and the specific role you have applied for. Take time to reflect on what draws you to the industry and how your experiences link to your interest.
3. Research the company well
Before applying or interviewing, make sure you understand what the firm does, its culture, its vision and its position within the industry.
Reading company reports, news articles, and employee insights can help you demonstrate genuine interest and ask thoughtful questions at the end of your interviews.
4. Network
Speaking with students or professionals who work or have previously worked at the firms you are applying to can provide valuable insights into the recruitment process and what to expect from the role and the firm.
Also, just generally having mentors in the career field you want can also be extremely helpful.
5. Practise, practise, practise!
Practising all possible application stages from online assessments to one-way interviews and final interviews can really boost your confidence and calm any nerves you may have.
The Careers website has numerous resources at your disposal to help you prepare for various application stages, so utilise them!
In summary
Applying for these programmes can sometimes feel daunting, particularly when balancing applications with coursework and other commitments. However, every application, conversation and interview is an opportunity to learn and improve.
My holistic advice is to stay consistent, seek support from the university and your peers, and do not be discouraged by setbacks. With persistence and good preparation, the process becomes far more manageable and can lead to life-changing opportunities.
If you're looking for work experience, check out our website with lots of opportunities including programmes exclusively for UoN students and graduates. Need help applying? Use our resources and talk to a careers adviser.
Posted on Thursday 19th March 2026