Gaining experience in accounting, finance and economics

Getting relevant experience is essential since many employers recruit through internships, placement programmes, or work experience programmes, and overall boost your employment prospects by helping to build a network of contacts. Most of your graduate competition will have degree-related work experience.

Types of opportunities

Placements

Placements usually last between 6-12 months and can be taken as part of your degree programme. If you are interested in completing a placement year, speak to your Faculty Placement Office.

You can also find placements opportunities through:

Learn more about completing a placement year

Internships

Internships may last anywhere between 2 weeks - 6 months. They are often completed during vacation periods.

Internships are offered by many financial and economic services firms, including:

Learn more about completing internships

Volunteering

Enhance your prospects with hands-on experience through volunteering. Whether you're uncertain about your career path or aiming for professional success, volunteering offers a chance to explore diverse roles. Discover opportunities through MyCareer's 'Volunteering Bank', listing roles like

Assistant money tutor volunteer with Citizens Advice
Bookkeeper volunteer with Toucan Diversity Training
Funding researcher with Portsmouth Foodbank

Learn more about Volunteering

Diversity schemes

Unlock tailored work experiences with diversity-focused programs from major companies and financial firms. These initiatives cater to diverse backgrounds, empowering individuals who've faced challenges due to their identity. Designed for Black students, women, and those with disabilities, these programs enhance inclusivity, upskilling, and sector-specific exposure, bridging opportunity gaps. Popular schemes include:

Insight days

Larger organisations offer taster or experience weeks providing hands-on alternatives to internships. These include:

BDO’s Summer School
PwC’s Talent Academy
Deloitte’s ‘Spring into Deloitte’ event
EY’s Summer Internship Academy
Skills Sessions run by the likes of KPMG

Some insight programmes are targeted specifically at first-year students or second-year students for those individuals taking a 4-year course.

There's a high chance that by attending these tasters, you'll increase your chances of securing an internship the following year as you'll have gained an insight into the company and potentially made contacts within the firm itself.

Speculative applications

Speculative applications involve sending a CV and cover letter to an employer to ask if they can offer any work experience, even if the company is not currently advertising placements or internships.

Submitting a speculative application shows your interest in a specific company and your willingness to go above and beyond to develop your skills and understanding of the industry.

Learn how to send a speculative application