Do I need finance experience to apply for a spring week?

No. Spring weeks are designed for students with little or no prior finance experience. Firms are looking for potential, not existing knowledge. Strong academics, evidence of extracurricular commitment, and genuine curiosity about the industry are more important than having worked in finance before.

Can I apply to multiple firms at the same time?

Yes, and you should. Spring weeks are highly competitive, so applying to a range of firms significantly increases your chances of getting at least one offer. There is no penalty for applying to multiple firms. They do not share application data.

What if my university is not a target school?

You can still get a spring week from a non-target university, but you may need to work harder on your application. Your CV needs to be well-written, your commercial awareness needs to be strong, and any networking you can do (virtual events, LinkedIn, career fairs) helps compensate for not being on the campus recruitment circuit. Some firms recruit more broadly than others.

Do spring weeks always lead to summer internship offers?

Not always, but they can help. At some firms, strong spring week performance can improve your chances of securing a summer internship. Through fast-tracking, accelerated consideration, or simply having the experience on your CV. A small number of firms treat the spring week as purely educational with no formal conversion path. Check the firm's specific programme details.

When should I start preparing?

As early as possible. If you are reading this in the spring or summer before applications open, you are ahead of most applicants. Having your CV polished, your commercial awareness developing, and at least one practice psychometric test completed before applications go live puts you in a much stronger position.

What grade do I need?

Most competitive banks look for a predicted 2:1 or above. Some firms also consider A-Level grades. A first-class predicted grade helps but is not essential. Strong A-Levels and compelling extracurriculars can compensate. If your predicted grade is below a 2:1, focus on firms where the academic filter may be slightly more flexible.

Are spring weeks paid?

It varies by firm. Some spring programmes are paid, while others are unpaid but reimburse travel and accommodation expenses. Check the specific programme details on each firm's careers page.

Follow the dress guidance provided by the firm. If none is given, business formal is usually a safe choice. Look at photos from the firm's recent events or their careers page for the standard. When in doubt, err on the side of dressing more formally.

2027 Applications

Complete Guide to Finance Spring Week Applications 2027

Everything you need to know about spring week applications. What they are, the timeline, how to write your CV, online tests, video interview preparation and what happens on the programme itself.

Used by students applying to Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Barclays and 30+ other firms

In this guide

1What a spring week actually is
2The 2027 spring week timeline
3The application
4Free CV checkerFREE TOOL
5Online tests
6Free psychometric practiceFREE TOOL
7The video interview: what it is and how to prepare
8Free HireVue practiceFREE TOOL
9What happens during the spring week
10Firms and deadlines
11Frequently asked questions

Section 1

What a spring week actually is

A spring week (also called a spring insight programme or insight week) is a short early-careers programme at a financial institution, usually aimed at first-year students on 3-year degrees and second-year students on 4-year degrees. Some programmes last a full week, while others run for 2–4 days. It typically takes place in spring, often around the Easter break.

During the programme you may attend division overviews, workshops, networking sessions, training and simulated work experiences. Some programmes also include desk shadowing or group exercises. Many programmes include a group exercise, case study or project. The structure varies by firm. Some are heavily structured with a packed schedule, others are more informal.

The real value of a spring week is what happens after. At some firms, strong performance can improve your chances of securing a later summer internship, including accelerated consideration or earlier access to the next stage. Getting a spring week can be one of the most valuable steps a first-year student can take towards a finance career.

Spring weeks are highly competitive, with acceptance rates likely in the low single digits at many firms. But unlike summer internships, where you are competing against students with prior spring week experience, spring week applications are judged against other students at a similar stage. The bar is high, but everyone is starting from roughly the same place.

Who can apply

First-year undergraduates on 3-year degrees, and second-year undergraduates on 4-year degrees

Duration

2–5 days, depending on the firm

Pay

Varies by firm. Some are paid, others are unpaid but reimburse travel and accommodation

When it happens

Usually in spring, often around the Easter break

Acceptance rate

Highly competitive, likely low single digits at top firms

Why it matters

Can improve your chances of progressing to a summer internship application

Section 2

The 2027 spring week timeline

Spring week applications follow a broadly predictable annual cycle, though exact dates vary by firm and year. Some of the most competitive firms open early, often from late summer into autumn. Here is the timeline from preparation through to the programme itself.

July – August 2026·Preparation

Research which firms offer spring weeks and which divisions interest you. Read about investment banking, sales and trading, asset management and global markets so you can speak about them with genuine understanding. Draft your CV. Join finance societies, attend any firm events you can find, and start building your commercial awareness by reading the Financial Times or following markets.

August – November 2026·Firm events and applications open

Many firms run insight events, webinars and campus presentations around this time. Applications often open between late summer and autumn. For the 2026 cycle, Deutsche Bank opened in November 2025, UBS closed in October 2025, and Citi closed in November 2025. Have your CV polished and your application answers drafted before applications go live. Some firms recruit on a rolling basis, so applying early can help.

Autumn 2026·Online tests

Shortly after submitting your application, many firms will send you a link to an online assessment. Different firms use different assessment formats and providers, including numerical, verbal, situational judgement and game-based assessments. Assessment deadlines vary by firm, so complete them as early as possible.

Autumn – winter 2026·Video interviews

Some firms use an on-demand video interview at this stage. The format usually involves timed preparation and short recorded responses, but the exact number of questions, timing and retake policy varies by firm. This is the stage where candidates who have practised the format tend to perform significantly better than those who have not.

Autumn – winter 2026·Additional interviews (if applicable)

Some firms have an additional phone or video interview with a member of the team before making spring week offers. Some firms may make offers after an on-demand interview, while others use additional interviews or assessment steps.

Late autumn – winter 2026·Offers confirmed

Offers are often communicated in late autumn or winter, depending on the firm. You will usually receive an email with a formal offer letter and logistical details. Some firms allow you to indicate division preferences.

Spring 2027·Spring weeks take place

The programme itself. Dates vary by firm. Some run over Easter, others at different points in the spring term. You will receive a full schedule in advance. Follow the dress guidance provided by the firm. Arrive early. Prepare questions for everyone you meet. Feedback from employees you meet may contribute to how the firm views your candidacy for future opportunities.

Section 3

How to write a spring week application that gets through

Your CV

Your CV is the first filter. At competitive firms, screeners may spend only seconds on each application before deciding whether to read further. If your CV does not immediately communicate that you are a strong candidate, it will not be read in full. Here is what works:

For spring week applications in the UK, a one-page CV is usually safest. If your CV is two pages, it signals that you cannot prioritise information, which is a core skill in finance.

Education at the top. University, course, predicted grade (if 2:1 or above). A-Level results including grades. If you have straight A*s, list them. If not, list the subjects and grades individually. Do not hide them.

Quantify where possible. "Managed social media for the Finance Society" tells the reader nothing. "Grew the Finance Society Instagram from 200 to 1,400 followers in 3 months, generating 40 event signups" tells them you can drive measurable outcomes. Quantifying bullet points where possible usually makes them stronger.

Work experience matters more than you think. Even if your experience is not in finance (a part-time job, a summer internship at a local business, volunteering) frame it in terms of skills that transfer: analysis, attention to detail, working under pressure, communicating with stakeholders.

No personal statements or objective sections. The space is too valuable. Use it for another experience bullet point instead.

Tailor your CV for finance. If you are applying to investment banking, mention any exposure to financial analysis, valuation, or deal work, even if it was through a university project or a competition. If you built a DCF model in your finance society, that belongs on your CV.

Cover letter

Some spring week applications ask for written motivation questions or an additional written statement; others do not require a cover letter. Even when optional, submitting one signals effort. The strongest written responses answer three questions:

Why finance? Not "I have always been interested in finance." Instead, reference a specific moment. A module you studied, a deal you followed in the news, or a conversation at a firm event that made you want to pursue this career. Be specific enough that the reader believes you.

Why this firm? Reference something concrete: their recent involvement in a specific deal, their culture or training programme, something a speaker said at an event you attended. Generic praise ("Goldman Sachs is a world-leading institution") is worse than saying nothing.

Why you? What specific skills, experiences, or qualities make you a strong candidate? Link back to your CV. If you ran a society, what did that teach you about teamwork or leadership? If you have academic achievements, how do they demonstrate your analytical ability?

Application questions

Most spring week applications include 1–3 short-answer questions (typically 150–300 words each). Common formats include:

Motivational: "Why are you interested in a career in investment banking?" Structure your answer as: specific interest trigger → what you have done to explore it → why this firm specifically. Avoid generic answers about "fast-paced environments" or "intellectual challenge."

Commercial awareness: "Tell us about a recent deal or market event that interests you.". Pick something from the last 3 months. Briefly summarise what happened, explain why it matters, and offer your own perspective on the implications. Read the Financial Times daily for two weeks before you apply and you will have plenty of material.

Competency: "Describe a time you worked in a team to achieve a goal.". Use the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) but keep it concise. The strongest answers are specific, honest, and end with a measurable result.

Section 4FREE TOOL

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Section 5

The online tests: common formats and how to prepare

At many firms, the next stage after your application is an online assessment. Different firms use different assessment formats and providers, but the core principle is the same: these tests are designed to filter candidates efficiently. The questions are not harder than what you have done at A-Level or in first year maths. The difficulty comes from the time pressure and the unfamiliar interface. A common reason candidates struggle is unfamiliarity with the format and time pressure, so practising beforehand makes a real difference.

Numerical reasoning

20–25 minutes, 15–20 questions

Providers: Various providers

You are given a table, chart or dataset and asked to calculate percentages, ratios, or trends under strict time pressure. The maths is GCSE-level but the time limit makes it challenging. Calculators are usually permitted.

Verbal reasoning

17–20 minutes, 15–20 questions

Providers: Various providers

You read a passage of text and determine whether a series of statements are True, False, or Cannot Say based solely on the information provided. The trap is using your own knowledge rather than sticking strictly to what the passage says.

Situational judgement (SJT)

25–35 minutes, 20–30 scenarios

Providers: Various providers

You are given workplace scenarios and asked to rank responses from most to least appropriate. Situational judgement tests are scored against the response patterns the employer considers most effective. The key is to think about what a professional, client-focused, team-oriented person would do.

Game-based assessments

25–30 minutes

Providers: Pymetrics (Harver) and others

Some firms use game-based assessments that measure cognitive and behavioural traits like risk tolerance, attention, memory, pattern recognition. There is no way to "study" for these, but doing them once before the real thing removes the novelty and significantly reduces anxiety.

Preparation tips

Practice at least one full numerical reasoning test and one verbal reasoning test before your first real assessment. The format is more important than the content. Once you know what a question looks like, the time pressure becomes manageable.

Do the practice test in the same conditions as the real thing: timed, no distractions, on a laptop (not your phone). Simulate the pressure.

Check whether a calculator is permitted before starting. Some tests prohibit them.

If you are unsure on a question, make your best guess and move on. Most tests are strictly time-limited, so spending too long on one question can hurt your overall score.

Goldman Sachs uses its own assessment process, but the format can vary by programme and year. Practising across multiple test formats is the best general preparation.

Section 6FREE TOOL

Practice a psychometric test

A common reason candidates struggle with psychometric tests is unfamiliarity with the format and time pressure. The best preparation is simply to do one practice test so the real thing is not your first experience of it. Try one below. It takes 10 minutes and scores instantly.

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Section 7

The video interview: what it is and how to prepare

Some firms use an on-demand video interview at this stage. You will receive a link by email. When you open it, you are given a question on screen with a short preparation window, then a limited time to record your answer on camera. The format usually involves timed preparation and short recorded responses, but the exact number of questions, timing and retake policy varies by firm.

On-demand video interviews can feel deeply unnatural. You are speaking to a camera with no human reaction, under time pressure, often with limited or no opportunity to re-record. Candidates who have practised the format handle the pressure. Candidates who have not tend to ramble, lose their structure, or freeze during the preparation window.

Since 2021, HireVue no longer uses facial analysis as part of its screening. Visual facial analysis is no longer part of HireVue screening. Evaluation criteria depend on the employer, and firms may assess your recorded answers using their own review process and criteria. However, your presentation still matters. Good lighting, a quiet background, eye contact with the camera (not the screen), and a steady pace all contribute to how your answer is perceived within the employer's hiring process.

Common question types

Motivational

"Why are you interested in a career at [firm]?" Have a clear, specific answer prepared. Reference the firm by name. Mention a specific deal, programme, or person that drew you to them.

Competency (teamwork)

"Tell me about a time you worked effectively as part of a team.". Use the STAR structure. Be specific about your role, not the team's collective achievement. End with a measurable result.

Competency (leadership)

"Describe a situation where you took the lead on something.". This does not have to be a formal leadership role. Running a university event, organising a group project, or taking initiative in a part-time job all count.

Commercial awareness

"Tell us about a recent news story that could impact our business.". Pick something from the last month. Summarise it in two sentences, explain why it matters to the firm, and give your perspective on the implications.

Problem solving

"Describe a time you solved a problem under pressure.". Focus on the process: how you identified the problem, what options you considered, what you decided and why, and what the outcome was.

How firms score your answers

Structure. Organise your answer clearly. The STAR framework or a simple "point, evidence, conclusion" structure helps.

Relevance. Answer the question that was asked, not a rehearsed answer that does not quite fit.

Specificity. Give concrete examples with specific details. "I organised an event" is vague. "I organised a 150-person networking event with 4 sponsor firms" is specific.

Commercial awareness. Show you understand the industry, the firm, and the broader business context.

Communication. Speak clearly, at a measured pace, with minimal filler words.

Motivation. Show genuine interest in the role and the firm. Energy and warmth come through on camera.

Section 8FREE TOOL

Practice a HireVue question

On-demand video interviews give you a short window to prepare and a limited time to record. Most candidates who struggle do so because the format was unfamiliar and the timer caught them off guard. The first time you face that format should not be the real thing. Try one practice question below. It takes 3 minutes and you get a scored report immediately.

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That was one question. Firms typically use several questions in a real video interview. Practice the full set for specific firms on our firm preparation pages. Start free trial →

Section 9

What happens during the spring week

Spring week selection is usually completed before the programme starts, although application processes vary by firm. The programme itself is part insight experience, part opportunity to make an impression. Programmes often include induction sessions, division overviews, networking, workshops and group exercises, but the structure varies by firm.

Induction and introductions

Varies

Welcome presentation from HR or graduate recruitment. Overview of the firm, its divisions, and the programme schedule. You will meet the other participants and often be assigned to groups. First impressions matter. Introduce yourself confidently to everyone.

Division overviews and sessions

Varies

You may attend presentations, workshops or desk-shadowing sessions across different divisions. Some firms structure this as a rotation, others as a series of talks and panels. Ask thoughtful questions. Feedback from employees you meet may contribute to how you are remembered and assessed.

Group exercise or project

Varies

Many programmes include a group exercise. Often a mock pitch, a mini case study, or a presentation on a market topic. You will work with other participants. Assessors typically look for: clear communication, the ability to listen and build on others' ideas, structured thinking, and contribution without domination.

Networking and wrap-up

Varies

Most programmes include networking sessions with analysts, associates and sometimes more senior staff. These are an important part of the programme and are worth taking seriously. Some programmes end with group presentations or a closing event.

How to stand out during the week

Treat every interaction as an opportunity to make a positive impression. Feedback from employees you meet may contribute to how the firm views your candidacy for future opportunities.

Prepare 3–5 intelligent questions before the programme starts. "What does a typical day look like?" is fine. "I read about your recent advisory role on the X deal. What was the team structure like?" is better.

Know 2–3 recent deals or market events relevant to the divisions you are learning about.

Bring the same energy on the last day as the first. The people who stand out are the ones who are consistently engaged throughout.

Follow up with a short thank-you email to anyone who spent significant time with you during the programme. Keep it brief and genuine.

Section 10

Typical application windows by firm

The dates below are based on previous cycles. Always check the firm's careers site for the latest information. Application windows can be short, so it is worth checking early and often. Sign up for alerts to be notified when firms open applications.

Firm	Programme	Opens
Goldman Sachs	Spring Programme	Timing varies. Check careers site early	Get alerted
JP Morgan	Spring Insight	Timing varies. Check careers site early	Get alerted
Morgan Stanley	Spring Insight	Often autumn. Timing varies	Get alerted
Barclays	Discovery Programme	Has used rolling recruitment	Get alerted
Deutsche Bank	Spring Into Banking	2026 cycle opened November 2025	Get alerted
UBS	Spring Insight	2026 cycle closed 31 October 2025	Get alerted
Citi	Spring Insight	2026 cycle closed 9 November 2025	Get alerted
HSBC	Early Careers Programme	Timing varies. Check careers site	Get alerted
Bank of America	Spring Insight	2026 cycle closed 23 November 2025	Get alerted
Macquarie	Spring Programme	Timing varies. Check careers site	Get alerted
Nomura	Spring Programme	Timing varies. Check careers site	Get alerted
Standard Chartered	Spring Insight	Timing varies. Check careers site	Get alerted

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