Finance Work Experience for Year 12 Students

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.

The work experience programme will take place in central London, with workshops being held in various locations. Industry placement days will be held in top London firms. Any excursions will take place in London or the surrounding areas. If excursions are held out of London, students will meet at a designated location and travel together.

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.

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).

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.

A finance internship helps you build technical and transferable skills that are highly valued by universities and employers.

You will typically gain:

• Numerical and analytical skills – interpreting data, identifying trends, and evaluating financial performance.
• Commercial awareness – understanding markets, economic events, and business models.
• Communication skills – writing reports, presenting findings, and engaging with professionals.
• Teamwork – collaborating on projects and group tasks.
• Problem-solving and decision-making – approaching financial challenges with logic and creativity.
• Technical proficiency – using spreadsheets, financial software, or basic accounting tools.

Finance work experience is offered by a range of organisations across the UK.

These include:

• Investment banks – e.g. J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley (usually for older students).
• Professional services firms – e.g. PwC, EY, Deloitte (some offer Year 12 insight weeks).
• Retail banks – e.g. Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest.
• Financial summer schools – run by educational providers or universities.
• Finance departments of large companies – e.g. within tech, retail, or energy sectors.
• Virtual work experience platforms – e.g. Springpod, Forage, Young Professionals UK.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 [email protected] 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.

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.