Hi Paul,
A quick bit about me- 2nd year econ student at QMUL
I would like to ask how significant is obtaining spring week and/or a summer internship experience in getting 3rd year graduate offers from these employers? Not necessarily IB only, as you've mentioned many other divisions.
I'm asking because I'm not the most organised individual nor most hard-core in terms of these applications. I mean I'm generally surprised at the high level of comprehension of people on TSR when they talk about these spring weeks and internship applications as they use a lot of jargon I don't know (despite being an econ student!) - i.e. BB, EB! Is that considered normal, and the general level of candidates who are 'successful' in their applications, from your experience?
I am kind of worried because like another person has said, I've applied for maybe 15 summer internship places and had a few interviews/tests etc. but not been successful. So I have to consider it a high likelihood I will end up with no summer internship. I do have other work experience but those are more about soft skills rather than direct "bank" experience.
I know you've said the banks just want to see 2.1 minimum but I think there is a good chance (as I take my work seriously) I will end up with a 1st class. Do you think that might raise my chances for 3rd year or do the banks not really care about 2.1 or a 1st?
Finally, I really don't want to end up in Accounting, so I'm wondering what you would recommend someone who is a graduate with 2.1 or higher in a relevant degree should be doing if they wish to enter "the industry"? Is the best move just to attempt to build up work experience and keep applying

?
Thanks!