Finance is widely considered to be the most competitive job sector in the world, so if you want to stand out from the crowd in this highly fierce environment, there is one thing that every employer is looking for: experience. And where better to do it than the financial capital of the world…
Why should you have a finance internship in London?
When it comes to work experience, your future employers will not just look at what you did, but where you did it. London is the world’s largest financial centre with the service sector constituting around 78% of the UK’s GDP. Work experience in this sector, and in this city in particular, will demonstrate that you can cut it in a fast-paced, intellectual environment; that you can cope with the demanding work schedule and high level of responsibility that comes hand in hand with financial positions; and that you have a strong passion for this competitive career path. These three things will turn you into a prime candidate for whatever job you apply for in the future, even if you move away from a career in finance.
What’s it like for an intern in London?
There is a long history of internships in financial institutions in London, and these internships have the most applicants per place out of any sector in the UK. As an intern, you can expect to be put through your paces and challenged as your mentors try to unleash your full potential. While big firms might give you a name to put on your CV, working with smaller boutique firms will provide you with hands on experience. You will have the opportunity to work on important projects, and your input will make a genuine difference. This is exactly the kind of experience that employers will look for in the future. If at an interview, you can explain not only how much you learned, but also how valuable you were to the company in which you did your placement, you will set yourself apart from your competition. Furthermore, an internship in London will help you realize your future career path. At this stage in your life, you may not know exactly what you want to do. Working on different projects and in different areas during your placement will help you to understand the profession, taking you further towards the daunting decision of what career path you would like to follow.
What can an international student learn from London’s finance environment that they can’t learn at home?
The fact that London is one of the main financial cities worldwide also means that it is an incredibly international environment. Because of its challenging and competitive nature, it will bring the best out of you. You will quickly learn to think on your feet and be adaptable, two skills that will take you far in any career. Furthermore, London is the perfect city for networking. What affords it this particular attribute is its geography. The financial sector of London is referred as the City, but is also colloquially known as the Square Mile. London’s financial sector is largely concentrated in a small area, which not only benefits business relations but also social interactions. London also attracts the best talent, largely due to the fact that many firms base their headquarters there. This means you are constantly surrounded by the best people in each position who you can learn from and form valuable connections.
How can I get an internship in London?
The Intern Group can provide you with your dream internship. Its strong connections with firms working in a variety of financial areas means that they will be able to find the placement that perfectly suits your needs. The Intern Group goes further than finding you your internship in London, but gives you the opportunity to truly enjoy all that London has to offer.
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