What is a spring week?
A spring week, or spring insight programme, is a week-long spring programme in which a bank introduces first- or second-year students to its work through division presentations, workshops, case studies, shadowing and networking with teams.
The format is mainly associated with London. Most programmes take place in the UK and target first-year bachelor’s students, or second-year students on four-year degrees. Students in the first two years of French university, bachelor’s or integrated preparatory programmes can apply to UK schemes. Paris equivalents are rarer, usually insight days or university events.
Why it matters: the pipeline starts here
Some spring weeks also serve as an early recruitment stage. JPMorganChase, for example, states that a fast track to a summer internship may be offered. This is neither automatic nor the same at every bank.
For a French student targeting London, the programme helps build an early understanding of divisions and selection criteria. Even without a fast track, the experience gives you concrete material for a more focused future application.
The timetable and process
Dates vary by bank and programme year. The official programmes reviewed take place in spring, but each portal remains the reference for opening dates, closing dates and how applications are assessed.
The process may combine an application form, motivation questions, aptitude tests and a video interview. The exact content varies: check the bank’s announced stages rather than preparing for last year’s format.
- September–December: online applications, motivation questions, tests and video interviews.
- January–February: final selection and confirmations.
- March–April: the spring week itself.
- Spring–summer: fast-track interviews for the following year’s summer internship for top-rated participants.
Standing out without experience: what banks look for
Nobody expects deal experience or internships from a first-year student. Banks look for strong academics, convincing motivation — why finance and why this bank, in your own words — initiative through societies, projects, competitive sport or part-time work, and clear written and video communication.
Useful preparation at this stage means understanding banking roles such as M&A, markets and financing, practising online aptitude tests, and preparing three personal stories showing initiative, teamwork and perseverance.
During the week: make an impression without overdoing it
Assessors observe curiosity — prepared questions and attentive listening — reliability, including punctuality and workshop engagement, and how you interact with bankers and other participants. A common mistake is overdoing it: dominating discussions or reciting rehearsed questions attracts the wrong kind of attention.
After the week, maintain contact through specific thank-you messages and personalised LinkedIn connections. Prepare for summer recruitment if the bank announces a next stage. Ask HR how the programme works rather than assuming conversion.
Spring week, summer, off-cycle: the complete pipeline
| Programme | Who it is for | When to apply | Potential outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring week | Early-degree students, depending on eligibility | Depends on the programme | A summer fast track may be offered |
| Summer internship | First master’s year / gap year / penultimate year | August–October of the previous year | Conversion to a graduate or permanent offer |
| Off-cycle | Gap-year or final-year students in Paris | Rolling, 3–6 months ahead | Progression towards a permanent role |
Frequently asked questions
Are spring weeks available in Paris?
The structured week-long format remains mainly associated with London. Paris equivalents include insight days, university events and short programmes run by selected banks. French students can apply to UK spring weeks; most are open to European students.
Can I apply to a spring week from a preparatory class or my second university year?
Programmes target students roughly two years from their first degree: first- or second-year university students, first-year bachelor’s students and sometimes second-year students on longer courses. Each bank sets its eligibility criteria. Check the required graduation year on every portal; it is the decisive criterion.
Does a spring week guarantee a summer internship?
No. Some banks may offer a fast-track process, but next steps depend on the programme and assessment. Check the official terms and use the week to clarify your division choice and prepare your next application.
How should I prepare for the tests and video interview?
Practise online aptitude tests — numerical reasoning, logic and situational judgement — on the platforms banks use. Prepare structured 60–90-second video answers about your motivation and experience. Record yourself: the format can be more unsettling than the questions.