Year 13

Work Experience & Shadowing Ideas for Year 13

(Focusing on Wycombe Abbey students targeting Oxbridge, G5 Unis, and Ivy League with an emphasis on Consulting, Finance, and Public Policy)

1. Summer Internship at a Leading Consulting Firm (e.g., McKinsey, BCG, or Bain)

  • What It Is: A summer internship or insight program at a top-tier consulting firm like McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), or Bain & Co.

  • Why It’s Great for You:

    • Provides hands-on consulting experience and insight into the real-world processes of problem-solving, strategic advice, and client-facing work.

    • You’ll develop valuable analytical, teamwork, and communication skills — perfect for your future in consulting.

    • Firms like McKinsey or BCG offer these internships exclusively to students in Year 13, making it a standout feature on your application for Oxbridge or G5 universities.

  • How to Achieve It:

    • Apply through the official websites of firms like McKinsey, BCG, or Bain for their summer internship or Spring Insight Programs.

    • Ensure your CV is up-to-date with any leadership roles and relevant experiences.

    • Apply early (usually by autumn of Year 13) as these programs are highly competitive.

    • Network with Wycombe Abbey alumni who may be able to give you advice or help with the application process.

2. Internship in an Investment Bank (e.g., Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, or Barclays)

  • What It Is: Investment banking internships at elite financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, or Barclays. These internships often last between 6-8 weeks in the summer.

  • Why It’s Great for You:

    • Investment banking internships provide deep insights into financial markets, asset management, M&A(mergers and acquisitions), and capital markets.

    • You’ll build quantitative and analytical skills — key for any finance, consulting, or corporate strategycareer.

    • An internship at such a prestigious firm can give you a huge advantage when applying for both finance rolesand competitive university programs.

  • How to Achieve It:

    • Apply for summer internships or Insight Programs through investment banks like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Barclays. The application process typically begins in October–November and closes by January.

    • Make sure to prepare for competency interviews and numerical reasoning tests, which are often a part of the recruitment process.

    • Wycombe Abbey’s career department or alumni network may have valuable contacts or insights into securing a position.

3. Legal Work Experience (Law Firms or Chambers)

  • What It Is: Legal work experience at top law firms like Clifford Chance, Allen & Overy, or Linklaters. Alternatively, shadowing barristers at Chambers can provide exposure to litigation.

  • Why It’s Great for You:

    • Even if law isn’t your primary focus, work experience at a top law firm helps build strong research, critical thinking, and communication skills.

    • Will allow you to gain exposure to corporate law, commercial contracts, or litigation, which overlaps with consulting and strategic advisory roles.

    • An excellent way to boost your Oxbridge application, particularly if you have an interest in PPE or Public Policy.

  • How to Achieve It:

    • Apply directly to the vacation schemes or work experience programs offered by firms such as Clifford Chance, Linklaters, and Allen & Overy.

    • If interested in Chambers, contact your local chambers or legal professionals to ask about work-shadowingopportunities, which can be arranged informally.

    • Wycombe Abbey’s career team can connect you with past students who have successfully completed internships at top firms.

4. Internship at a Think Tank (e.g., Chatham House, IPPR, or Policy Exchange)

  • What It Is: Internships at think tanks or NGOs such as Chatham House, IPPR, or Policy Exchange, focusing on policy research and analysis.

  • Why It’s Great for You:

    • Provides insight into policy-making, political research, and the workings of think tanks. This is an invaluable experience for students aiming for careers in consulting, public policy, or government advisory.

    • These experiences allow you to build a strong understanding of the intersection between politics, economics, and global challenges.

    • Particularly helpful for an Oxbridge PPE or Public Policy application.

  • How to Achieve It:

    • Check out internships or summer placements offered by major think tanks such as Chatham House, The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), or Policy Exchange.

    • Look for research internships or summer programs that are available to students at the end of Year 13.

    • Connect with Wycombe Abbey alumni in policy fields to find internship leads or tips on applications.

5. Volunteering at a Political Party or Campaign

  • What It Is: Volunteering or interning with a political campaign, or within a political party such as the Labour Party, Conservative Party, or even a local candidate’s office.

  • Why It’s Great for You:

    • Direct engagement in political campaigning, policy development, or community outreach. This will help develop strategic thinking, communication, and leadership skills.

    • Ideal for those looking to pursue consulting in public policy or interested in roles that require a political or strategic background.

    • Especially valuable if you aim to study PPE at Oxbridge or any public policy degree at a G5 university.

  • How to Achieve It:

    • Reach out to local political offices or campaign organizations to ask about internships or volunteer roles.

    • Many political parties run training schemes and internship programs during the election cycle. Check with the official websites of the Labour Party, Conservative Party, and other political organizations.

    • Wycombe Abbey Career Office may be able to connect you with relevant political figures or initiatives for volunteering.

Key Resources for Year 13 Work Experience and Shadowing:

  • LinkedIn: Use it to connect with professionals and alumni who can help guide you towards shadowing opportunities or internships in consulting, finance, and law.

  • Springpod: Check for internships or virtual work experience placements in consulting, law, and finance.

  • InvestIn: Offers virtual internships and work placements in consulting, finance, and law sectors.

  • Chatham House and IPPR: These leading think tanks offer internships for those interested in public policy, government roles, or research.

  • Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, JP Morgan: Apply to summer internships or insight days that run during Year 13to gain critical finance or consulting experience.

  • Clifford Chance, Linklaters: Apply for their vacation schemes and work experience programs for insight into the legal field.

  • Wycombe Abbey Career Office: Use your school’s network and career resources to connect with alumni or secure shadowing opportunities in your chosen fields.