The Young Investment Banker Summer Experience is designed to provide students aged 15-18 with a comprehensive introduction to the world of investment banking. Over two weeks, participants will engage in live trading on the London stock market, partake in a simulated M&A deal, and build their own equities portfolio under the guidance of senior asset managers.
This immersive programme not only offers hands-on experiences in a real-world setting but also includes career coaching and networking opportunities with top professionals in the field. Students will leave with a qualification in work experience, boosting their university applications.
Limited places available: book now to secure your spot.
A transformative two-week summer experience for students aged 15-18, offering a deep dive into the world of investment banking in London. Students can choose from 1-week, 2-week, and 2-week Premium options, with fees starting at £2,150.
The Premium package includes personalised coaching, networking events, and extra opportunities to enhance skills for future career success. The program also offers a residential option, including private accommodation, meals, and social activities. See below for more details.
Students will engage with professionals at networking events, receive personalised coaching, and gain insights into the finance industry through career simulations and practical exercises. This program is an invaluable experience for any student seeking to build their career in the competitive world of finance.
Trade the London stock market in a live simulation.
Participate in a mock assessment centre used by leading investment banks to recruit new talent.
Take part in a live Mergers & Acquisitions deal: value FTSE 100 companies and negotiate each stage of the transaction.
Build your own equities portfolio and receive feedback from an asset manager.
Gain a Qualification and UCAS Points
Gain practical experience to enhance your university applications, demonstrating your passion and potential for a career in finance.
Have your work assessed to receive a Level 3 Award in Work Experience and Career Planning, worth 8 UCAS points.
Complete the online assessment after the programme to receive a personalised certificate and industry reference letter outlining your achievements.
Meet Senior Investment Bankers
Be coached through activities by investment bankers from globally recognised firms in sales, trading and corporate finance.
Ask your questions during live panel Q&A sessions with professionals and current analysts.
Learn how to network effectively and start building connections for your future career.
Career Coaching
Receive guidance on how to secure top roles in investment banking.
Advice on subject choices, university applications, work experience and extra-curricular activities.
World-Class Universities and World-Class People
Demonstrate to university admissions teams that you have developed skills and experience relevant to competitive finance degrees.
Complete the online assessment and receive a certificate you can include in your university applications.
Design Your Own Summer Experience
Choose from the following options:
First Week Only (taster experience)
Two-Week Experience (full programme)
Two-Week Premium Experience (both weeks plus additional benefits)
Accommodation can be residential or non-residential.
Residential students stay in UCL halls in central London, with meals, guardianship and evening/weekend social activities provided.
Optional airport transfers are available at checkout.
Week 1
The World of Sales & Trading
Learn market analysis, trading strategies and how news impacts prices
Compete in a trading simulation to generate the highest return
Build and present an equities portfolio to hedge fund managers
Uncovering Corporate Finance
Experience the fast-paced work of M&A and IPO professionals
Learn business valuation using core financial formulae
Enter a live deal simulation and compete to win a major merger
Become the Asset Manager
Understand hedge funds and participate in an asset management simulation
Manage a portfolio across FX, commodities, equities and bonds
Explore private equity strategies and receive personalised feedback
Enter the Trading Floor
Learn fundamental and technical analysis
Compete in trading challenges and respond to market movements
Gain insight into daily life on a trading floor
Pitching Workshop
Learn how to structure and deliver a persuasive pitch
Practise adapting communication for different audiences
Develop confident delivery through voice and body language coaching
Quant Finance
Understand key mathematical and statistical techniques used in finance
Explore examples of quantitative investment strategies
Practise Python functions applied in financial modelling
Week 2
Venture Capital & Private Equity
Learn how VC firms invest in high-growth start-ups
Understand how private equity drives business profitability
Pitch ideas to experienced investors and get feedback
When Banking Breaks Down
Explore financial crashes, their causes and consequences
Understand risk management, insurance and regulation
Take part in a crisis decision-making debate
ESG & Ethical Investing
Explore the rise of Environmental, Social and Governance investing
Learn how to invest responsibly while generating returns
The Fintech Forum
Hear from fintech professionals on innovation and disruption in finance
Work in teams to design a pioneering fintech business
Present your project at a Fintech fair with expert feedback
Networking Event with Top Investment Bankers
Network privately with investment bankers from leading firms
Test your knowledge and ask questions during Q&A sessions
Receive practical career advice from industry experts
Career Coaching
Learn how to secure spring weeks, internships and graduate roles
Discover how to enhance your application through impactful experiences
Practice interview skills in an interactive workshop
Graduation & Certification
Celebrate your achievements
Receive an industry reference letter outlining your accomplishments
2-Week Premium
Overview
Includes all Week 1 and Week 2 activities plus 15 extra hours with professionals
Develop a professional portfolio and career skills
Includes Level 3 Work Experience Award assessment and UCAS points
Highlights
Attend masterclasses on CV writing, LinkedIn, personal branding and elite university applications
Complete psychometric and personality profiling to identify strengths and motivations
Compete in a strategy challenge and attend a private Gala dinner in London
Dates
This summer school has three intakes: 6th July, 27th July or 17th August 2026.
Venues
The programme is based at UCL and the surrounding University of London campus. Certain days take place in other key industry locations in London.
Accommodation
Students live on university campus in central London and are allocated to halls of residence used by University of London students, including those from UCL and LSE. We typically occupy a range of halls, including Garden Halls, College Hall, International Hall and Frances Gardner House.
All rooms are single and en-suite.
“My son had a great experience. He said he was taught a number of things he has never learnt in school before. He did a two week programme and stayed in the accommodation at the university which he loved as he made a lot of new friends from different countries.”
