The programme gives you a strong introduction to finance. Here’s what you’ll learn:
Join our Investment Banking and Finance Summer Career Camp today!
This hands-on programme gives students real-world insight into finance through interactive sessions and case studies, building understanding of investment banking, financial markets, and core industry concepts for a strong foundation in a future finance career.
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What is the Investment Banking Summer Career Camp?
Our Investment Banking and Finance Summer Career Camp is designed for high school students aged 15–18 who are interested in exploring a future in the financial world. This immersive programme introduces students to key areas such as financial markets, corporate finance, and the stock market. It helps them build a strong foundational understanding of how the industry works.
Through interactive workshops, case studies, and real-world simulations, students gain practical insight into how financial institutions operate. Guided by experienced professionals, participants develop key analytical and problem-solving skills. They also gain exposure to real-world finance scenarios.
Ages: 15 - 18 years old
Duration: 1 - 3 weeks
Class size: 10-12 students
Location | Central London
What Will You Learn at the Investment Banking Summer Career Camp?
Choose Your Programme Format
Pick a date that suits you and kickstart your financial career today.
Meet Your professional mentors
Our Investment Banking and Finance Summer Career Camp is led by experienced professionals from the finance industry. From investment bankers to financial analysts, our mentors bring real-world expertise and industry knowledge. With small group learning, you will receive personalised guidance, build strong mentor relationships, and gain insights from their firsthand experience in the financial sector.
Why High School Students Should Join a Finance Summer Camp
At our Investment Banking and Finance Summer Career Camp, you won’t just be learning theory. You’ll get the chance to apply what you learn in practical settings, such as:
Why choose our Investment Banking and Finance Summer Career Camp?
Students receive a certificate that can be used in UCAS applications, personal statements, interviews, and future career opportunities.
Students take part in a new research project alongside case studies, trading simulations, and practical finance-based activities that reflect real industry work.
Students receive structured feedback from tutors in a personalised feedback form, along with access to a UCAS expert booklet to support personal statements, applications, and university preparation.
Students gain insight into financial markets and how the industry operates in practice, helping them understand future career pathways in finance.
The camp helps strengthen university applications and prepares students for future study and finance-related careers through practical exposure and guidance.
Built for Future Finance and Investment Banking Careers
- Our programme bridges school learning and the world of finance through real-world exposure and practical financial activities.
- Personal statement workshops help students build strong applications, while mock interviews prepare them for finance-related courses.
- The experience includes case studies, trading simulations, group projects, and finance-related challenges.
- Students develop teamwork, leadership, and communication skills while connecting with peers interested in finance careers.
Where do students stay?
Experience London through safe and centrally located student accommodation designed to support a comfortable and structured learning environment throughout the programme. Students stay in secure accommodation at UCL Ramsay Hall (University College London), in a safe and centrally located area close to key parts of the city.
We offer:
– Private rooms and shared living spaces
– 24/7 supervision, security, and student support
– Meals and essential amenities included
– Organised excursions, city visits, and social activities
– Opportunities to connect with students from around the world
What Our Students Say
Get inspired and read firsthand feedback from students around the world on how they enjoyed the Banking & Finance summer school.
Banking & Finance work experience 2026 packages
Whether you choose 1, 2 or 3 weeks, we’ve got you covered.
Kickstart your career with confidence
- Included:
- Stock Analysis
- Industry Visit: United Insurance Broker
- Trading Floor Visit
- IPO Life Stages
- Private Equity
Your path towards your dream career
- Week 1
- Build your own AirBNB
- Tour of Financial District
- Industry Visit: Ernst & Young
- Portfolio Simulation
- Leadership, Public Speaking and Entrepreneurship
Build a solid foundation for a brighter future
- The ultimate immersive experience
- Included:
- Week 1
- Week 2
- Career & Life Skills
- Professional Networking
How to Apply for This Programme?
Applying for the Investment Banking and Finance Summer Career Camp is simple, quick, and fully online, making it easy for students and parents to get started.
Visit the official website and select the Investment Banking and Finance Summer Career Camp. Complete the online form with your details to begin the process.
Once your form is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email along with important pre-programme information and learning resources to help you prepare.
Join the programme, take part in real-world finance activities, and gain hands-on experience in investment banking, financial markets, and corporate finance.
See how this experience can transform your life
Gain real-world experience and kickstart your future today
- Gain real-world, hands-on experience
- Enhance university applications and career goals
- Experience life as a university student
- Connect with experts to boost future opportunities
Frequently asked questions
You can find commonly asked questions below. If you have other questions, please contact us and we’d be happy to answer them.
Do I need prior experience in finance or investment banking?
No prior experience is needed to join the camp. The programme is structured to guide students from basic concepts to more advanced topics in a simple, step-by-step way. Students will learn key ideas such as financial markets, corporate finance, and investment banking through practical teaching methods.
What will I learn during the programme?
Students will gain a strong introduction to investment banking, stock markets, and corporate finance. The learning includes interactive workshops, real-world case studies, and financial simulations. These activities help students understand how the finance industry operates in practice.
Will I get hands-on experience?
Yes, the programme is highly practical and experience-based. Students take part in simulations, group projects, and real finance-related activities that reflect real industry scenarios. This helps them apply what they learn in a practical and engaging way.
How does this help with university applications?
The programme strengthens university applications by showing early exposure to finance and investment banking. Students receive a certificate and gain valuable experience that can be included in personal statements. It also demonstrates commitment and interest in a future finance career.
What skills will I gain from this camp?
Students will develop important skills such as analytical thinking, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. They will also gain a solid understanding of financial markets and investment banking. These skills are highly valuable for future studies and careers in finance.
How can I customise my banking and finance work experience?
You can customise your work experience in several ways with two or three week options available:
Second Week: You can continue your investment banking work experience with a second week, where you will delve further into the field. You will have the chance to learn about mergers & acquisitions, debt markets and alternative investments. You also visit a banking start up to learn firsthand what it takes to run a finance company.
Career & Life Skills: You can choose to add a second week with our Career & Life Skills week. In this experience you will learn all about digital literacy and creating your personal brand to market yourself to future employers with LinkedIn profiles and standout CVs. You will also learn about Financial Literacy, including loans, mortgages and taxes. You will navigate the world of AI and find out how to optimise it when using it to assist you with documents like your personal statement.
A Related Work Experience Week: You can also choose to extend your work experience by choosing one of our related programmes including Business & Entrepreneurship. Or if you're thinking about a different career as well, you can choose something completely different!
When should I apply for Year 12 work placements in banking?
Apply between October and February of Year 12, as many bank work experience programmes open applications in autumn for spring and summer placements. Early applications are encouraged as places fill quickly.
Does Study Mind have a bursary scheme?
As part of our widening participation scheme, Study Mind runs a bursary scheme for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These include full bursaries, as well as 75% and 50% bursaries. Applications are now being accepted and students will be informed from the 16th June if they have been accepted into a programme. This scheme is on a first come, first served basis. Students wishing to apply for the scheme will need to:
- provide proof of receipt of Universal Credit, Free School Meals and Pupil Premium.
- Fill in the Bursary Application Form
- complete an essay task.
- provide a reference from a teacher (either head of sixth form or relevant subject teacher). This can be a character reference and include information on general work ethic and grades if applicable.
Students who partially meet this criteria are welcome to apply, and may be offered discounted places where free places are already assigned.
If you feel you may be eligible, kindly email camps@studymind.co.uk with evidence attached. Alternatively, you can contact us via phone at +44 (0) 203 305 9593 to discuss any questions you have. Please note, we will not be able to provide accommodation.
What banks offer work experience?
Many banks may offer short-term summer banking work experience. Year 12 students may find this particularly useful. Here is a list of banks you could contact:
- Barclays
- HSBC
- Lloyds Banking Group
- NatWest Group
- Goldman Sachs
- J.P. Morgan
- Morgan Stanley
- Citi
- UBS
What’s the difference between banking and investment banking work experience?
- Banking work experience often refers to roles in retail or commercial banking (e.g. customer service, account management).
- Investment banking experience involves exposure to high-level financial services like mergers & acquisitions, trading, and capital markets, often in fast-paced corporate environments.
What is the eligibility criteria for the work experience programmes?
In order to book this opportunity, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You are a student in Year 10, Year 11, Year 12 or Year 13 (ages 15-18)
- You have a genuine passion for your chosen subject/career
- You have obtained consent to attend from a parent/carer
- You are able to attend one of the weeks advertised
- While we do not assess for language understanding, you will need a good level of English (minimum equivalent of CEFR B1 or IELTS 4.0-5.0) to allow you to make the most of the programme
If you have questions about the above criteria, you can reach out to us via email at camps@studymind.co.uk or contact us via the form to speak to one of our programme advisors.
Do you need experience to work at a bank?
No, many entry-level roles, especially in retail banking, don’t require prior experience, but having some relevant experience can strengthen your application.
What should I bring to the work experience week?
We recommend that students bring a notepad and pen to take notes (or a device to write on). In addition, students should bring a water bottle for the day. Students do not need to bring lunch as this will be provided but they might want to bring a couple of snacks to eat throughout the day. Please make sure these snacks are NUT FREE to take into account any students that may have nut allergies. Students on certain programmes such as Computer Science, will need to bring their own device. If you have not got a laptop, one will be provided. A specialised list will be communicated nearer to the time.
Where is the work experience located?
The summer school takes place in London, offering a blend of university-style laboratory sessions and outdoor field trips to nearby ecosystems and biodiversity research sites.
Where is the accommodation?
Students opting for the residential programme will stay in Ramsay Hall, part of the University College London (UCL) campus. Students will stay in single occupancy rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Male and female students will be placed in separate floors.
When do I check in and check out of the accommodation?
Students will be able to arrive on the Sunday before the start of the programme. There will be a member of the Study Mind team to greet you. Students will check out on the Friday after the programme has ended. If you would like to book an extra night accommodation (e.g. Friday night), please contact us and we can arrange this for you (dependant on availability).
When will I receive a schedule of activities?
Students can expect to receive a finalised timetable of their work experience week by the end of May. Students will also receive further information on what to pack/bring and pre-preparation materials by mid June so that they can prepare themselves for the programme and get the most out of their experience.
How do you ensure the programme is a safe space for all students?
We maintain an inclusive, respectful learning environment where all students feel welcome to participate. Our team enforces a strict anti-bullying policy to ensure mutual respect and collaboration. If you have any concerns during the programme, our staff will be available to support you.
Is the Banking and Finance programme suitable for students with additional learning needs or disabilities?
Yes, we are committed to making the programme accessible for all students. If you require specific accommodations, please inform us in advance, and we will tailor the experience to suit your needs.
What support is available if I have questions or concerns during the programme?
Our dedicated support team is available throughout the programme to assist with both academic and personal queries. Whether you need help understanding content or have general concerns, we ensure that support is always readily available.
How do you ensure student safety during the programme?
All activities are conducted in a secure and structured environment. Our staff are DBS-checked, and we have safeguarding policies in place to ensure students' safety. For those staying in accommodation, our programme leaders are available 24/7, and university security is also present around the clock.
How do I book, and what are the entry requirements?
Booking is easy! Simply choose your programme length and complete the booking via our website. If you have any questions, you can contact us at info@studymind.co.uk and arrange a call with our team. The programme is open to students aged 15-18, and no prior finance experience is required. Students coming from abroad will need a good level of English to fully participate.
How does the programme compare to traditional banking work experience?
Traditional placements can be difficult to secure and may not offer structured learning. Our programme provides hands-on work experience for banking, direct mentorship, and interactive learning that closely mirrors the day-to-day operations in the financial industry.
Does Study Mind offer any additional support after the programme ends?
Yes, we provide continued support after the programme ends. Our team is here to help with university applications, personal statement guidance, and interview preparation, giving you the extra edge you need to pursue further education in finance or banking.
Who are the professionals leading the Banking and Finance programme?
Our mentors are experienced professionals from the banking and finance sectors, including investment bankers, risk analysts, and financial market experts. They provide expert guidance, share real-world insights, and offer tailored support to help you succeed in the field.
What makes Study Mind’s Banking and Finance programme unique?
We offer a unique blend of academic learning, real-world experience, and personal mentorship. Our structured curriculum ensures you gain invaluable finance work experience, boosting your confidence and enhancing your university applications for careers in finance or banking.