How to improve my uni application for finance/banking as an ex-medic

im in y12 and I was an aspiring med student doing bio, chemistry Econ and maths, and ive dropped chem since a couple weeks ago as ive realised med isn't really for me and chem isn't something I enjoy as it gives me a lot of trouble in my studies. now im hoping to do something in finance/banking. however summer schools ive applied to are for med and only have care-home work experience and im also set to do one in a hospital next month and I may be able to find work exp as my parents both work in finance. however, im really worried as im not part of any programmes for banking and finance, and I dont have any extracurriculars. guess im asking is what can I do from now to help my uni application for finance rather than med. if there's any work exp opportunities/insight days/open days/programmes/summer schools/compeitions I can apply to from now pls let me know it will help a lot
pls reply even if you have a little something that would help me, thank you!!

Reply 1

BelindaFlamazing

Finance and banking is a broad field, so it's worth thinking about what specifically interests you. Are you more drawn to investment banking, asset management, economics, or something else? It also helps to understand the different areas within the industry — for example, front office (e.g. trading, client-facing roles), middle office (risk management, compliance), and back office (operations, technology). Have a look at what departments exist within banks, accounting firms, consulting firms, and institutions like the Bank of England. Check what career paths and progression they offer.

Start reading publications like the Financial Times, The Economist, or Bloomberg. Try to stay updated on current events — for example, Donald Trump’s actions often cause volatility in the financial markets. Are you interested in how these events affect the economy, trading, or everyday households? If you apply for finance-related university courses, you may be asked about current affairs in interviews or your personal statement.

It might be hard to get an internship at this stage, but it’s worth looking into — sometimes big firms have programmes for school leavers or early access schemes for future opportunities. If your parents have contacts in the industry, it may also be worth asking if they can help you explore options.

Even without internships, there are still good ways to gain relevant experience and make your personal statement stand out. For instance, you could start learning about investing and markets by tracking a stock or building a theoretical portfolio. You don’t need to invest any money — just observe how stocks perform over time, and try to understand what drives the price changes (e.g. political, environmental, or economic events). This shows initiative and curiosity, and it could be something interesting to reflect on in your personal statement or discuss in an interview.