***official spring weeks 2013 thread***

Hi everyone,

I don't really buy into this whole 'too early to apply' consensus. As it's a few weeks away from University, it seems logical to put your best efforts into great applications and not have to worry when there are the stresses of studies and the need to settle in well at University - you wouldn't want to become the hall hermit because you're polishing your psychometric testing and interview questions.

I've completed applications for all that are open - everything apart from JPM and BNPP - and I wouldn't say, contrary to the sometimes quite scalding remarks on here, that any are rushed or of a worse quality than if I'd have chosen to apply later on.

If anything, I'd say that next month - when I'm busy with my Society (Bath Finance), starting second year and looking for year abroad placements (modern languages student) - it would be harder to get 100% focus for an application with so much going on, let alone having 10 others to stress about.

I'm not particularly convinced by this idea of waiting for networking events either, in most cases. For the most cronyist sessions and fairs such as those at Oxbridge, LSE etc (and I'm not judging, I'd love to have the opportunities you guys do!), sure it might be worth waiting but it's worth remembering that people can still put a good word in internally once the applications are in, and I speak from experience.

I am attending the Bright Investment Banking Network on Monday (which I assume some of you are too) and rather than waiting until afterwards I have got on with it and highlighted this in the application. Putting "having spoken to your representatives at ____" and "this month I'm going to speak to your representatives at ____" seem synonymous to me, personally. As long as they know you're going, they'll assume you're going to network with their reps and by and large the reps will probably tell you the same 'unique' nuggets of information.

All I'm trying to say, I suppose, is that if you're looking through all these posts not knowing much about the SW process and you don't have that much to gain from waiting, it seems illogical to not apply when you've got tons of free time to perfect the applications. My position is fortunate because as a second year I've already been on an easter internship and got involved with things at University so I don't have to wait to find things to add, but I wouldn't wait for the sake of waiting because people on here seem desperate to make you feel bad about getting ahead.

Just my thoughts. I'm not stating this as fact so don't stone me! Any comments welcome.

Sources: A friend who is an MD in IBD at a BB bank who is involved in recruitment and every other representative I've spoken to at networking sessions always stress to apply early.

Background: 3A* (Maths, Econ, French), non-target uni (Bath), 1st class mark for first year, completed an Easter Internship at an accountancy firm and a Discovery Day at BP and on Committee of University Finance Society.

Hi everyone,

I don't really buy into this whole 'too early to apply' consensus. As it's a few weeks away from University, it seems logical to put your best efforts into great applications and not have to worry when there are the stresses of studies and the need to settle in well at University - you wouldn't want to become the hall hermit because you're polishing your psychometric testing and interview questions.

I've completed applications for all that are open - everything apart from JPM and BNPP - and I wouldn't say, contrary to the sometimes quite scalding remarks on here, that any are rushed or of a worse quality than if I'd have chosen to apply later on.

If anything, I'd say that next month - when I'm busy with my Society (Bath Finance), starting second year and looking for year abroad placements (modern languages student) - it would be harder to get 100% focus for an application with so much going on, let alone having 10 others to stress about.

I'm not particularly convinced by this idea of waiting for networking events either, in most cases. For the most cronyist sessions and fairs such as those at Oxbridge, LSE etc (and I'm not judging, I'd love to have the opportunities you guys do!), sure it might be worth waiting but it's worth remembering that people can still put a good word in internally once the applications are in, and I speak from experience.

I am attending the Bright Investment Banking Network on Monday (which I assume some of you are too) and rather than waiting until afterwards I have got on with it and highlighted this in the application. Putting "having spoken to your representatives at ____" and "this month I'm going to speak to your representatives at ____" seem synonymous to me, personally. As long as they know you're going, they'll assume you're going to network with their reps and by and large the reps will probably tell you the same 'unique' nuggets of information.

All I'm trying to say, I suppose, is that if you're looking through all these posts not knowing much about the SW process and you don't have that much to gain from waiting, it seems illogical to not apply when you've got tons of free time to perfect the applications. My position is fortunate because as a second year I've already been on an easter internship and got involved with things at University so I don't have to wait to find things to add, but I wouldn't wait for the sake of waiting because people on here seem desperate to make you feel bad about getting ahead.

Just my thoughts. I'm not stating this as fact so don't stone me! Any comments welcome.

Sources: A friend who is an MD in IBD at a BB bank who is involved in recruitment and every other representative I've spoken to at networking sessions always stress to apply early.

Background: 3A* (Maths, Econ, French), non-target uni (Bath), 1st class mark for first year, completed an Easter Internship at an accountancy firm and a Discovery Day at BP and on Committee of University Finance Society.

good post. I assume you're doing a four year MSc? of course you can't apply for spring weeks in your second year of a three year course.

The main difference is as a 2nd year on a 4 year degree, you have had the time to network, join societies and learn more about the industry for a year while someone who has just finished A Levels and confirmed their uni place obviously hasn't.

Given that, I would still recommend applying only in mid-October after attending a few campus events and understanding the different roles of bank/where your skill sets lie. If you've had a gap year and already got some exposure though, it makes sense to apply asap.

I agree. I didn't mean to come across like I was against waiting in this scenario, apologies if I did. I just got the impression from reading through the thread that it was an absolute cardinal sin to apply when the programs opened, irrespective of circumstances. What I said applied to students who had nothing to gain from waiting and who already had a good idea of their career aspirations. If you're not in that position, it's a different story and gaining exposure is key to developing a genuine interest that will come through during the applications.

about all the bits like why would you like to do your chosen role, i havent done much research into the different roles really. is anyone able to give me a good starting point for this?

Anyone have a back-up?

I have a hilarious Spring Week back-up.

Nope not at all, though I am applying for summer internships outside of banking to try maximise experience in first year.

Go on then, what is it?

i dont know if im just blind at the moment or if something else is wrong but after clicking on "apply here" on the J.P. Morgan page I can't find the spring weeks on the job search page. How did you find it? i would be thankful for every reply!

Yes, I'm doing the same.

It's actually not that funny, it's just so un-IB. It's Unilever's Customer Management (Sales) program. Reason why it's a safer bet, no numerical and emphasis on CV/Cover.