Based on the WSO Dataset, it's generally more beneficial to opt for summer internships if you're aiming for a robust experience in investment banking or similar fields. Here’s why:

  1. Duration and Depth: Summer internships typically last around 10 weeks, which is considerably longer than most spring weeks. This extended period allows for a more in-depth experience and understanding of the day-to-day operations within a bank.

  2. Project Involvement: During a summer internship, there's a higher likelihood of being involved in longer-term projects. This can provide more meaningful work experience and a better opportunity to make a significant impact.

  3. Networking Opportunities: With more time spent at the firm, you have more opportunities to network with professionals at various levels. This can be crucial for securing future opportunities or a return offer.

  4. Learning Curve: The longer duration of summer internships also means you can go beyond the basics and potentially get involved in more complex tasks once you've grasped the initial learning curve.

  5. Conversion to Full-Time Offers: Summer internships often have a higher conversion rate to full-time offers compared to spring weeks. Firms invest significant resources in training summer interns, making them more likely to offer full-time positions to those who perform well.

While spring weeks are a fantastic way to get a taste of the industry and are crucial, especially in the UK market, for making initial connections and securing subsequent summer internships, two cycles of summer internships generally provide a more substantial and beneficial experience if your goal is to deepen your expertise and secure a position post-graduation.

Sources: My (successful) experience with on-cycle this year, Did on cycle just start?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/investment-banking-in-the-uk-an-overview?customgpt=1, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition, My Four Year Plan

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

2 cycles of summers. Spring weeks are not experience, they're just a signal that you were smart/lucky enough to land them and ergo have some idea of finance.

 

Agree but surely the reason for doing 2 spring cycles is because it is easier to get a summer conversion through them.

Also didn’t get many springs so feel like going straight into summer recruiting would be tougher than redoing springs.

 

Quo assumenda qui quo sit. Laboriosam qui qui omnis deleniti maxime aspernatur magnam. Reiciendis autem quis cumque officiis laborum aut ducimus earum. Nesciunt cumque sit labore cupiditate quam aut. Qui est hic officia.

Ad ea aperiam fugit hic. Sit quisquam corporis molestiae quae et. Aut necessitatibus ut adipisci ipsam illum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 18 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (20) $385
  • Associates (90) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
10
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”