Spring weeks (also called insight programmes or first-year programmes) are one- to two-week programmes run by employers — primarily in finance, law, consulting, and professional services — designed for first-year undergraduates. They are one of the most valuable opportunities available to university students in their first year, and completing one significantly improves your chances of securing a competitive summer internship.
What is a spring week?
A spring week typically takes place in March or April during the Easter vacation. You are hosted by an employer for one or two weeks, given an introduction to the firm and its work, paired with employees for shadowing or mentoring, and complete a mix of workshops, case studies, and networking events. Most spring weeks are paid or offer a daily stipend. They typically involve 15 to 30 participants per cohort.
Who runs spring weeks?
Spring weeks are most common in: investment banking (Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, HSBC, Deutsche Bank), law (Magic Circle and Silver Circle firms, US firms), consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Accenture), asset management and private equity, technology firms, and some FMCG and marketing companies. The finance sector runs the most programmes and recruits the largest numbers.
Why spring weeks matter
Many employers use spring weeks as an early talent pipeline. Performing well on a spring week often leads to a fast-track or guaranteed interview for the summer internship programme — some employers extend summer internship offers directly to spring week participants. For competitive roles in investment banking and law, spring week experience also strengthens your CV significantly for applications where you have not previously completed one.
When to apply
Spring week applications open very early. Most open in September and October of the preceding year — meaning you need to apply in the autumn of your first year for a programme taking place the following March or April. Deadlines are typically October to December. Applications close early: many programmes are full by November. If you are a first-year student, set reminders for September and treat spring week applications with the same urgency as summer internship applications.
The application and selection process
Applications typically involve: an online form with motivational and competency questions, online tests (numerical and verbal reasoning), and either a video interview or telephone interview. Some firms run an assessment centre. The process is shorter and less intensive than summer internship recruitment, but still competitive — particularly for finance roles, where acceptance rates can be under 5%.
How to make the most of the week
Prepare before you arrive: know the firm's recent deals, news, and structure. Ask thoughtful questions to employees you shadow or meet. Be genuinely curious — this is a learning opportunity. Network consciously: exchange LinkedIn details with employees you connect with, and follow up within 48 hours of the programme ending. On any assessed components (case studies, presentations), use the same preparation strategies as you would for an assessment centre.
Checklist
- Identified target spring week programmes for your sector
- Set application deadline reminders for September
- Prepared STAR examples for motivational and competency questions
- Completed online test practice in advance
- Researched the firm before attending
- Connected on LinkedIn with employees met during the week
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing application windows by applying in January or February
- Treating spring week applications as less serious than internship applications
- Not researching the firm before attending
- Failing to follow up with contacts after the programme