How To Get Work Experience For Finance As a Student

Written by: Emma Dow

Published

29 August 2025

Contents

From fintech and forensic accountancy to banking and bookkeeping, the range of careers on offer in the finance world is vast. And if you're thinking about a future in finance, finding some student work experience could be just what you need to make your CV or university application shine.

Getting your foot in the door can feel pretty nerve wracking. How is it even possible alongside your studies? Don’t worry. It is. And that's where our guide comes in. We’ll take you through everything you need to know about getting finance work experience as a student.

Think of this as your secret weapon for standing out from the crowd and discovering what really interests you in finance.

Key Takeaways

Work experience is essential - Securing work experience shows you're serious about finance and helps you discover which area interests you most, from banking to fintech.
Many options are available - You don't need fancy connections; try virtual programmes, bank shadowing, insight days, or even personal projects like mock investment portfolios.
Make it count - Ask loads of questions, keep a reflection journal, and network professionally to turn any experience into valuable material for future applications.

Why Finance Work Experience Matters

While some industries consider work experience as a bonus or added extra for a CV or UCAS application, it's becoming absolutely essential for finance careers. Here's why it matters so much:

Finance is a competitive field - Work experience gives you an added edge. Whether you're applying to university, an apprenticeship, or your first job, finance work experience shows you're serious about the industry. Admissions tutors and employers love to see that you've taken the initiative.
You'll understand different finance areas - Finance isn't just one thing. There's commercial banking, investment banking, accounting, financial planning, and fintech. Work experience helps you figure out which area you want to explore further.
You'll develop transferable skills - Finance work experience for students builds useful skills like numeracy, problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail. These skills are valuable wherever your career takes you.
It builds your confidence - Nothing beats real-world experience for understanding how finance actually works day-to-day.

What Counts as Finance Work Experience?

While an internship at a top investment bank might sound exciting, it’s not the only option to get valuable finance experience. Here are six other ideas to explore:

Formal placements - These include traditional work experience at banks, accounting firms, or financial services companies. These are often during the summer holidays and tend to last 1-2 weeks.
Virtual programmes - These online experiences simulate working in finance and are great if you’re struggling to access in-person placements. They're becoming increasingly popular and respected by employers.
Insight days - For a short taster session where you learn about different finance careers and meet professionals, an insight day is ideal. These are run by both companies and universities.
Shadowing opportunities - To get up close and personal to your dream profession, you could follow a finance professional for a day or week to see what they actually do.
Personal projects - They might seem insignificant, but they could make all the difference to your CV or apprenticeship application. Running a mock investment portfolio or writing a finance blog shows initiative and genuine interest.
Volunteering - See if any local companies want help with the financial aspects of running their business, such as helping a charity with budgeting or fundraising.

As you can see, there are loads of ways to develop your understanding of the finance sector. The key is showing genuine interest in finance and developing relevant skills.

Finance Work Experience Ideas for Students

Bank and Building Society Work Experience

They might be big names in the finance world, but high street banks like Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, and NatWest sometimes offer work experience placements for students. Building societies such as Nationwide also provide opportunities.

And you don’t necessarily have to apply nationally. Many local branches are happy to arrange shadowing experiences if you ask politely. Pop in during quiet periods and speak to the manager about opportunities.

Top tip: Don't just focus on the big names. Smaller local banks and credit unions might be more flexible with work experience arrangements.

Virtual Finance Programmes

With a great WiFi connection and a laptop, you could explore virtual work experience opportunities. This way of getting experience of the finance sector has exploded in popularity, and it's a fantastic way to get started.

Forage (opens in a new tab) offers free virtual job simulations from major firms like Citi, Goldman Sachs, EY, and Lloyds. These typically take 4-6 hours and include realistic tasks to build your skills.
Springpod (opens in a new tab) provides virtual work experience across various finance areas, including banking, accounting, and financial technology.
Individual company programmes from firms like Barclays (opens in a new tab) and PwC (opens in a new tab) now offer their own virtual experiences.

These programmes are brilliant because they're accessible from anywhere and you can add them to your CV just like traditional work experience.

School Leaver Schemes and Insight Days

If you want to experience the environment of one of The Big Four accounting firms, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, and EY all offer insight programmes for students. These usually run during school holidays and give you a real taste of professional services.

For example, EY (opens in a new tab) has a list of virtual events available for students to sign up for, including information about internships and apprenticeships. And KPMG (opens in a new tab) has a full blown work experience programme for students finishing Year 13 who are keen to start a career in finance. It’s one week long and takes place during the October half-term.

Applications typically open months in advance, so check company websites early in the academic year. Most programmes are free and include meals and sometimes travel expenses.

Mentoring and Career Events

There are plenty of organisations that run talks, interactive events, and programmes online to help you understand the ins and outs of the finance world.

Young Professionals UK (opens in a new tab) runs events and mentoring programmes across various finance sectors.
Uptree (opens in a new tab) lists webinars provided by companies to give students career guidance.
InvestIN (opens in a new tab) offers immersive career experiences, including summer finance-focused programmes.

Many universities also host finance career fairs that are open to local students so it's worth checking their events pages.

Personal Finance Projects

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, why not create your own opportunities?

Run a mock investment portfolio using apps like Trading 212's practice account or create a spreadsheet tracking different investments over time.
Start a finance blog or vlog sharing what you're learning about markets, personal finance, or economic trends.
Enter finance competitions like the Student Investor Challenge or local Young Enterprise competitions.

These projects demonstrate initiative and genuine interest in finance – qualities employers really value.

Business and Economics Clubs

If your school doesn't have a business or economics club, why not start one? This will enhance your organisation and leadership skills, as well as more technical finance skills.

You could organise budget challenges, invite local finance professionals to speak, or run mock trading sessions. Why not write a proposal?

Even joining existing clubs like debating society or student council can develop relevant skills like analysis, presentation, and leadership.

Where To Find Finance Work Experience Opportunities

Ready to crack on with your finance work experience search? Try these sources:

Company websites are a great starting point. Most major firms have dedicated student sections on their careers pages.
School careers services often have established connections with local employers and can help arrange placements.
LinkedIn is full of professionals who could help build your finance network – you can follow companies and connect with finance professionals.
Specialist websites like Prospects (opens in a new tab) list work experience opportunities. These listings are continually updated so keep checking regularly.
Don't be nervous about making direct enquiries. A polite email or phone call to local businesses can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren't advertised. Or, you could go old school and pay a visit to a local bank or financial advisor to ask about helping out.

How To Apply for Finance Work Experience

Writing a Strong CV and Cover Letter

It’s normal to be unsure about your CV if you don’t have much experience. After all, that’s why you’re so keen on securing a work experience placement, isn’t it? There’s no need to worry. As a student, your CV will look different from an adult's - and that's perfectly fine.

Focus on your achievements like GCSE and A Level results, awards, leadership roles, or volunteer work.
Highlight relevant skills like strong numeracy, problem-solving, or teamwork from school projects or part-time jobs.
Show your interest in finance by mentioning relevant subjects you're studying, books you've read, or news you follow.
Keep it concise – one page is plenty for a student CV.
Add a cover letter - this should explain why you're interested in finance and what you hope to learn from the experience. Research the company and mention something specific about what they do or their recent news.

Making the Most of Your Finance Placement

Securing your finance work experience as a student is a major milestone, so well done. Now it’s time to make sure you maximise your time experiencing the professional finance environment.

Ask lots of questions - Professionals expect curious students, so don't be shy about asking how things work or why certain decisions are made.
Keep a daily reflection journal - By noting down what you learned, interesting terminology, and how different roles connect, you have a ready-made document to refer to when making future applications.
Network professionally - Connect with people you meet on LinkedIn and send thank-you emails after your placement.
Observe everything - Pay attention to how teams work together, how clients are treated, and what skills seem most important.
Take initiative and be helpful - Offer to help with simple tasks and show enthusiasm for learning. Going the extra mile creates a positive and lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can I do finance work experience in the UK?

Most work experience opportunities are available from age 16, though some virtual programmes accept younger students. Some companies - like some larger finance companies - have specific programmes for Year 10 students (age 14-15), but these are less common in finance.

Always check individual company requirements, as they can vary.

Can I get work experience in finance if I don't know anyone in the industry?

Yes, absolutely! In fact, most students don't have family connections in finance, and companies actively look for diverse candidates from all backgrounds.

Virtual programmes, insight days, and direct applications don't require any connections. Your enthusiasm and willingness to learn matter much more than who you know.

Are virtual finance placements respected by employers?

100%. Virtual placements are increasingly respected, especially since major companies like Barclays and KPMG now offer them. They show you're proactive and committed to learning about finance.

Just make sure you treat virtual experiences seriously and be able to discuss what you learned in applications and interviews.

What if I'm more interested in fintech than traditional finance?

No worries! That’s brilliant. Fintech is one of the fastest-growing areas in finance. Look for opportunities with companies like Monzo, Starling Bank, or Revolut, as well as traditional banks developing their digital services.

Many virtual programmes now include fintech modules, and personal projects like developing a budgeting app or analysing digital payment trends are extra relevant.

How long should finance work experience be?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this one. Quality matters more than quantity. A one-day insight programme can be just as valuable as a week-long placement if you make the most of it.

Most school student placements last between 1-5 days while virtual programmes typically require 4-8 hours of work spread over a few days.

Your Next Steps

Finance is a really exciting field to get into and it’s more accessible than many people think. You don’t need top grades or insider connections to get started. Your curiosity and willingness to learn is what really matters.

Start by exploring virtual programmes or reaching out to local businesses for opportunities. Remember, every professional started with that very first step, and the experience you build now can open doors to a rewarding future in finance.