Summer Internship & Vacation Scheme Applications 2027: The Complete Guide
How summer internships and vacation schemes work across finance, law and consulting, the application process, assessments, interviews and how to convert into a full-time offer.
Built for students applying to Goldman Sachs, Clifford Chance, McKinsey and other leading firms
In this guide
- 1What summer internships and vacation schemes are
- 2When things happen across sectors
- 3The application
- 4Free CV checkerFREE TOOL
- 5Online tests
- 6Free psychometric practiceFREE TOOL
- 7Interviews across sectors
- 8Free video interview practiceFREE TOOL
- 9Sector-specific guides
- 10Firms and deadlines
- 11Frequently asked questions
Section 1
What summer internships and vacation schemes are
Summer internships and vacation schemes are one of the most important stages in competitive early-careers recruiting. In finance, they are called summer analyst or summer internship programmes. In law, they are called vacation schemes. In consulting, they are consulting internships. All broadly follow the same principle: a short placement that gives you exposure to real work and can strengthen your chances of securing a full-time role.
Duration varies. Finance summer internships are often 6 to 10 weeks. Law vacation schemes are often 2 to 3 weeks. Consulting internships vary by firm. What they have in common is that strong performance can lead to a full-time offer.
At many firms, internships are a major pipeline into full-time roles. However, the balance between internship conversion and direct hiring varies by firm. In law, Freshfields says approximately half of its trainee intake comes from direct applicants rather than vacation schemers.
These placements are highly competitive across all three sectors.
Finance
Summer analyst programmes at investment banks. Often 6-10 weeks. Applications can open from summer onwards
Law
Vacation schemes at law firms. Often 2-3 weeks in winter, spring or summer. Applications often open in autumn
Consulting
Consulting internships. Duration varies. McKinsey UK intern roles typically open in spring
Why they matter
Strong performance can lead to a full-time offer. At many firms, internships are a major route into permanent roles
Competitiveness
Highly competitive across all sectors
Section 2
When things happen across sectors
Timing varies significantly by sector and firm. Finance often opens early, but timing varies significantly by firm. Law vacation scheme deadlines can fall in autumn or winter. Consulting timing varies widely by firm.
Build your CV, develop commercial awareness, and research firms. If you did a spring week or insight programme, use that experience in your applications. Start practising for sector-specific assessments: numerical tests for finance, Watson Glaser for law, case interviews for consulting.
Many investment banks open summer analyst applications between summer and autumn. Law vacation scheme applications also often open in autumn. Linklaters' 2026 schemes opened in September 2025. A&O Shearman's summer 2026 scheme opened in December 2025. Check each firm individually.
Consulting internship timing varies significantly. McKinsey's UK undergraduate intern roles typically open in spring with deadlines in summer. Other firms differ. Always check the official careers site.
Finance: online tests then video interviews. Law: Watson Glaser then live interviews and assessment days. Consulting: problem-solving tests then case interviews. Formats vary by firm within each sector.
Finance summer internships run over the summer. Law vacation schemes can be in winter, spring or summer. Consulting internship timing depends on the firm.
Section 3
How to write applications that get through
Your CV
The fundamentals are the same across sectors, but emphasis differs:
Finance: quantified achievements, technical skills (Excel, modelling), spring week experience if you have it.
Law: academic credentials front and centre, legal experience (pro bono, mooting, mini-pupillages), evidence of commercial awareness and written communication.
Consulting: leadership with measurable impact, analytical or problem-solving evidence, strong academics.
All sectors: one page, clean formatting, no errors. Every bullet point should demonstrate a specific skill or achievement.
Cover letter
Some firms use cover letters, others use application forms with written questions. The core structure is the same:
Why this sector? Show genuine understanding of the work. Not "fast-paced environment" for banking, not "helping people" for law, not "problem solving" for consulting. Go deeper.
Why this firm? Reference something specific you cannot find on any other firm's website.
Why you? Connect your experiences to the skills the role requires. Be specific and evidence-based.
Application questions
Written application questions test your ability to communicate clearly and think commercially:
Finance: "Discuss a recent deal that interests you." Pick something specific, explain the structure, give your view.
Law: "Why commercial law, and why this firm?" Reference specific practice areas, deals, or training structure.
Consulting: "Tell us about a time you solved a complex problem." Show structured thinking and a clear outcome.
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Section 5
Assessments by sector
Assessment types differ by sector. Knowing what to expect and practising the format are the two most valuable preparation steps.
Numerical and verbal reasoning (finance)
Varies by firmProviders: Various providers
Investment banks use numerical, verbal and sometimes situational judgement tests. Speed and accuracy under time pressure are the main challenges.
Watson Glaser (law)
Varies by versionProviders: Pearson TalentLens
Widely used by commercial law firms. Tests inference, deduction, interpretation and evaluation of arguments. Practice is essential as the reasoning style is unfamiliar to most students.
Problem-solving assessments (consulting)
Varies by firmProviders: Various
McKinsey uses Solve. Other consulting firms use their own assessments. Some larger professional-services firms use more traditional numerical and verbal tests.
Preparation tips
Do at least one full practice test in whatever format your target firms use. The format matters more than the content.
For finance: practise quick percentage and ratio calculations.
For law: practise distinguishing between logically strong and weak arguments.
For consulting: approach problem-solving assessments systematically rather than rushing.
Practice a psychometric test
Whatever sector you are targeting, doing a practice test before the real thing can make a significant difference. Try one below.
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Section 7
Interviews across sectors
Interview formats are where the sectors diverge most. Finance firms often use timed on-demand video interviews followed by assessment centres with back-to-back interviews. Law firms use live interviews with partners, group exercises and written tasks. Consulting firms use case interviews where you solve a business problem out loud.
In every sector, preparation can make a major difference. The candidates who perform best are the ones who have practised the specific format they will face.
Common question types
Finance: competency and technical
"Walk me through your CV." "Why this division?" "How would you value a company?" Prepare a 90-second CV pitch and know basic valuation methods.
Law: motivation and commercial awareness
"Why commercial law?" "Tell me about a recent deal involving this firm." Partners are assessing whether you are someone they would trust in front of clients.
Consulting: case interviews
"Our client's profits have declined by 20%. What should they do?" Break the problem down, analyse systematically, recommend clearly.
All sectors: "Why this firm?"
The most common question across every sector. Your answer should be specific enough that it would not work for any other firm.
How firms score your answers
Structure: organised, logical thinking.
Specificity: concrete examples, not vague generalities.
Commercial awareness: understanding of the industry, the firm, and the business environment.
Communication: clear, confident, concise.
Motivation: genuine, specific interest in the firm and the role.
Practice a video interview question
Practising on camera builds skills that transfer across every interview format. Try one question below.
Choose your firm
Your question
""
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Section 9
Sector-specific guides
For detailed advice, firm deadlines, and sector-specific preparation, see the guides below.
Finance Summer Internship Guide
Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley and other investment banks. Covers online tests, video interviews, assessment centres and firm-specific deadlines. intervyo.co.uk/guides/finance-summer-internship-2027
Law Vacation Scheme Guide
Clifford Chance, Linklaters, Freshfields, A&O Shearman and other law firms. Covers Watson Glaser, partner interviews, assessment days and the vacation-scheme-to-training-contract route. intervyo.co.uk/guides/law-vacation-scheme-2027
Consulting Summer Internship Guide
McKinsey, BCG, Bain and other consulting firms. Covers McKinsey Solve, case interview preparation, and firm-specific application timing. intervyo.co.uk/guides/consulting-summer-internship-2027
How to stand out during the week
If you are applying across sectors, prioritise preparation for the assessment format of your most competitive target.
Case interview preparation (consulting) and video interview practice (finance) develop transferable skills.
Start early. Finance and law applications can close months before the placement starts.
Section 10
When to apply by sector
Application timing varies by sector and firm. Always check the official careers site.
| Firm | Programme | Opens | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance summer internships | Various banks | Many open from summer to autumn. See the finance guide for firm-specific dates | Get alerted |
| Law vacation schemes | Various firms | Linklaters 2026 schemes opened September 2025. A&O Shearman summer 2026 opened December 2025. See law guide | Get alerted |
| Consulting internships | Various firms | McKinsey UK intern roles typically open in spring. Other firms vary. See consulting guide | Get alerted |
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