Spring Week Insights Panel
Simra Akhtar Parkar
Sectors: Markets (Citi), Audit (PwC)
Key Learning:
“Reaching out to previous spring week students on LinkedIn is invaluable — they can share interview insights and preparation tips.”
Application Process:
· Citi: Assessment → Zoom interview
· PwC: Assessment → HireVue
Most Enjoyed: “Shadowing trading desks at Citi and witnessing the fast-paced, dynamic environment of the trading floor.”
Advice to First Years:
“Keep up to date with commercial awareness — it’s relevant for every division and comes up in every interview. Use your free FT subscription from QM or listen to finance podcasts like The Market Maker by AmplifyMe.”
Polyin Nuella Amon Elbazar
Sectors: Private Markets (TD Securities), Asset Management (Schroders), Financial Research (FactSet)
Key Learning:
“Regardless of academic background, firms look for enthusiasm, initiative, and transferable skills. Show genuine interest in the sector.”
Application Processes:
· TD Securities: Application + Cover Letter → Spring → Early access to internship roles
· Schroders: Application → Numerical/Verbal/Logic tests → Video interview → Offer
· FactSet: Application → Tests → HR Interview → Offer (Also attended insight days at Citi, QRT, Nomura, Citadel, LSEG, Morgan Stanley via SEO London, UpReach & Sutton Trust.)
Most Enjoyed: “Meeting other ambitious students and building a strong network — we’re all on the same journey together.”
Advice to First Years:
“Don’t just apply anywhere — apply where your interests align and where you’ll learn the most. It saves time and helps you stay focused during busy uni periods.”
Melanie Agyemang
Sector: Investment Banking
Key Learning:
“Stay open-minded — your division preferences can change once you learn more during your spring week.”
Application Processes:
· JP Morgan: CV/Cover Letter → HireVue → Offer
· Nomura: CV → Online Assessment → Video Interview → Offer (Questions mainly motivational and competency based.)
Most Enjoyed: “Learning about different finance divisions and hearing real-life insights from professionals.”
Advice to First Years:
“Don’t neglect your career development. Build professional experience alongside your degree.”
Fatmir Sima
Sectors: Audit, Tax, Insurance
Key Learning:
“Finance is a people’s business — everyone knows everyone. Start networking early.”
Application Processes:
· Allstate: Application → HireVue
· Deloitte: Application → HireVue → Job Simulation (online assessment centre)
Most Enjoyed: “Networking with finance professionals and peers — plus, staying in a 5-star hotel in Manchester!”
Advice to First Years:
“Apply and apply — it’s a numbers game. One yes is all it takes. Don’t let your uni name hold you back — authenticity matters more than prestige.”
Amirsam Mohri
Sectors: Audit & Tax (Deloitte), Finance (Sky)
Key Learning:
“Honestly, that finance looks completely different depending on where you are. At Deloitte, I learned how structured and technical audit and tax can be; lots of attention to detail and teamwork. At Sky, finance felt more fast paced and commercial, with direct input into big decisions like content budgets and investments. Both were super different but really useful in showing how broad the field is.”
Application Process:
Both had similar processes: Online application, Online assessments, HireVue style Interview
All HireVue interviews ask similar things like why do you want to work here, what interests you about the role, when’s a time you showed leadership etc.
For Sky I was given a case study on which company to invest in too.
So it’s important to have answers to those questions and having examples ready using the STAR method also helped a lot. I’d also say it’s worth doing proper research on the company beforehand - look into what they actually do, recent projects, and company values. It makes it much easier to answer those “why us” type questions naturally.
Most Enjoyed:
“At Deloitte, I really liked the group project, working in teams on a business case and presenting our ideas to senior staff. At Sky, the highlight was definitely seeing how finance fits into the bigger picture. We got to hear from employees, shadow a few teams, and understand how finance influences content and business decisions. Also, Sky’s campus is genuinely really cool.”
Advice to First Years:
“Start early and prep properly, that’s honestly the best advice. Research the companies you’re applying to, keep up with some basic financial news, and prepare answers for common questions. But also, don’t stress too much about being “the perfect candidate.” Spring Weeks are about learning. Show curiosity, be yourself, and back your experiences - even if they’re from uni societies or part-time work. And definitely apply, even if you’re unsure. You’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain!”
