Spring weeks: what they are, who can apply and when to apply

Key takeaways

• →A spring week is a short insight placement, often in finance, run in the Easter break.
• →It is usually aimed at first-year students, or second-years on a four-year degree.
• →Applications often open in the summer or autumn before, so the search starts early.
• →The process can include an application form, online tests, a video interview and a final interview.
• →Missing out does not rule out a later internship or graduate role.

1. What is a spring week?

A spring weekA short taster placement an employer runs in the Easter holidays. is a short placement that an employer runs during the Easter holidays to introduce students to the company and its work. Warwick Business School says it was traditionally linked to investment banking but now also appears in other areas of finance, consulting, accounting, asset managementLooking after money and investments for other people. and technology.^[1]

Lancaster describes what an investment banking spring week can include: case studies, presentations, networking, technical training and work shadowingWatching someone do a job without doing the work yourself.. It adds that strong performers may be fast-tracked towards a second-year summer internship, which is why students value them. Our summer internships guide explains that next step.^[2]

2. Who can apply for a spring week?

Warwick says spring weeks are typically for first-year students on a three-year degree, or second-year students on a four-year degree. Lancaster agrees: mainly first years, and second years on four-year courses. Always check the advert, because each employer sets its own rules.^[1]

3. When do spring week applications open?

Earlier than the name suggests. Warwick says the application window usually opens between August and September of the year before, for placements in March and April. Lancaster says applications are typically due in September and October of the first year, that some schemes open in July and August, and that students should not rely on later published deadlines because places may fill sooner.^[1]

Oxford’s careers service lists spring weeks, internships and insightA short placement that shows you what a company and job are like. days among the applications that open in Michaelmas TermThe autumn term at Oxford and Cambridge., the autumn term. Its page gives no dates, so check each employer’s own website.^[3]

4. What are the stages of an application?

The exact process depends on the employer. Warwick lists an online application with a CV and cover letter, then psychometric testsOnline tests of skills such as numerical and logical reasoning. and video interviews, then an assessment centreA set of tasks and interviews for several candidates at once. and a final interview.^[1]

Lancaster gives a similar order: an application form, psychometric tests (numerical and logical reasoning), a video interview with three to seven timed questions, a telephone interview about your motivation, and a final interview that is sometimes an assessment centre. Our guides to situational judgement tests, the STAR method and competency and strengths-based interviews cover the parts you can practise.^[2]

5. Are spring weeks paid?

The careers pages we read do not agree, so check each advert. Warwick’s guide says in one place that spring weeks are usually paid and in another that most are not, though some employers cover travel, accommodation or food. Lancaster does not mention pay. If an offer says unpaid, our summer internships guide links to the GOV.UK rules on pay for internships.^[1]

6. How can you prepare?

Both universities stress starting early and tailoring each application. Lancaster suggests applying to many firms, 15 to 25, without copying and pasting, and finishing most applications by the end of October. Warwick advises explaining your motivation for the company and the sector, proofreading carefully and practising with mock interviews.^[2]

Lancaster also tells students to expect rejections: one offer is enough, and first-year applications build experience for later internship applications.^[2]

7. What if you miss out?

Warwick says a missed spring week does not rule out a later internship or graduate role. It suggests careers fairs and events, virtual internships, volunteering, online courses and work shadowing. See our graduate schemes guide for what comes after university.^[1]

8. How Brainhub can help

Brainhub offers coaching for students preparing for applications and interviews. We help you plan your search, find your best examples and practise answering out loud. We coach, so your answers are always your own, we never write applications or assessed work for you, and we cannot promise an offer or a job. See our online tutoring page for how sessions work, our university pathways for more guides, and book a free assessment choosing “University or graduate”.

1. 1. When are spring weeks usually held?

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2. 2. Who are spring weeks usually for?

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3. 3. When do applications often open?

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4. 4. Does missing a spring week rule you out of later roles?

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Your next steps

1. 01

   Check each employer’s own site for opening dates.

2. 02

   Put the dates in a calendar or spreadsheet.

3. 03

   Practise an online test and a video interview.

4. 04

   Book a CV check with your careers service.