Spring, Summer, Graduate, Off-cycle
Spring Program (Difficulty Level: Easy)
Several business schools run spring programs. These programs are designed for 1st or 2nd-year students and last 1 to 3 weeks. The program's primary objective is to give you an overview of the different departments within the financial institution, what they do, and if you could see yourself in one of these roles. It's a great way to explore your interests and gain valuable insights into the industry. The program also offers a secondary objective: to get to know the people within the institution and network with them. Although you cannot do any work during the program, it's a good way to make connections and apply for a Summer internship the following year.
Off-cycle Internship (Difficulty Level: Intermediate)
An Off-cycle Internship is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience as an Analyst within a specific team at a financial institution. The internship lasts 6 to 12 months and is at an intermediate difficulty level. While no rotations are possible, it is a great chance to work closely with a team and build strong connections within the industry. Off-cycle internships are more popular in Paris than London, so securing a position in Paris may be easier. If you missed the deadlines for Summer Internships, an Off-cycle Internship is a good alternative to consider. Overall, this internship can provide valuable experience and help you build a strong foundation for your career in finance.
Summer Internship (Difficulty Level: Intermediate)
Securing a Summer Internship can be a great opportunity for students to gain practical experience and further develop their skills. The program usually lasts from 8 to 10 weeks. Still, it's important to know the different deadlines for different divisions at the same bank. As a Summer Analyst, you will work within a team at the financial institution, with possible rotations between departments. However, available rotations will depend on the institutions, so staying flexible in your approach is crucial. Your secondary objective should be to get an offer at the end of the internship or apply for a Graduate Program. This will boost your resume and give you a competitive edge when applying for future positions.
Graduate Program (Difficulty Level: Hard)
This level lasts for 6 months to 3 years, and the primary objective would be to work as an Analyst within a team at the financial institution. There could be possible rotations, but they'll depend on the particular institution. Therefore, you'll need to be flexible with your approach. The secondary objective for this program would be to get an offer at the end.