In recent years, renowned financial firms have increased their efforts to find talent in top universities. Spring Insight Weeks have come about as a way for the most prestigious institutions to attract future candidates while they are still two years away from graduation.
These highly competitive programs include training relevant to the financial sector, networking, and firm overviews. They are also used as recruitment opportunities for summer internships at the different institutions, which students tend to apply for in their third year of study.
In recent editions, IE University students have been selected for numerous Spring Weeks, including those at Goldman Sachs, Nomura, Macquarie, JP Morgan, Blackstone, Deutsche Bank, or Bank of America Merrill Lynch, among others. These experiences have served as a perfect stepping stone to further opportunities at those firms, as well as at other top international institutions.
Mar Pujadas, who’s pursuing a Dual Degree in Business Administration and International Relations at IE University, was one of the selected participants this year. We asked her to tell us about her experience at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Spring Week in London.
What can you tell us about your experience?
Highlights for me were being able to meet people from across the bank, from first-year analysts to heads of different EMEA lines of business. It was great to gain insights into the responsibilities you could have at different stages in your career. The whole week was a great networking opportunity.
What did the Spring Week at BofAML consist of? How would you explain it to someone who doesn’t know what Spring Weeks are?
The Spring Week at BofAML gave participants a general overview of the bank’s lines of business and how they operate. Each participant chose two lines of business of interest to them, and they were guided through the main activities they carried out. By the end of the week you had to specify your preference, do a numerical test, and have several interviews as part of the bank’s assessment process for their Summer Internship program.
I would describe the Spring Week as a practical insight into what life at a bank is like. Furthermore, it facilitates a fast-track application for summer internships and also upgrades your CV.
How did you find out about this opportunity?
I found out about this opportunity from previous participants. Then, I contacted IEU Career Services to get some help building my CV and writing a cover letter to apply for various Spring Weeks.
How do you think your IE experience and the IE Talent & Careers team support helped you obtain this opportunity?
I think IE University gave us a great advantage when it came to explaining our understanding of the world in the interview. The diversity at IEU made it easier to give first-hand insights on specific areas. For example, explaining the Indian economy from both your perspective and those of your Indian friends and classmates.
The IEU Talent & Careers team closely follow each of our cases through the different stages. from sharing details about networking events and information sessions, to CV building and giving helpful advice in preparation for interviews and tests.
What can you tell us about the selection process?
Since selection processes take place on a rolling basis, the sooner you apply, the greater your chances are of being accepted. You will need to practice for several tests before applying. During the telephone interviews, make sure you are in a quiet, calm environment.
What tips or advice would you give to other students looking to apply to Spring Weeks in the future?
Be aware that different banks require you to take different types of test; so prepare accordingly. For interviews be aware of what is happening in the markets and prepare a few pieces of news you find interesting and that may have impacted the bank. In addition, closely follow a deal that particular bank has recently worked on to show you are interested in and have knowledge of, their achievements.
