Year 12

Work Experience & Shadowing Ideas for Year 12

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

1. Shadowing a Senior Consultant at a Top Consulting Firm

  • What It Is: Shadow a senior consultant or management consultant in a firm like McKinsey, BCG, or Deloitte.

  • Why It’s Great for You:

    • Provides direct exposure to the daily workings of consulting firms.

    • Develops analytical, problem-solving, and presentation skills that are key for consulting and strategyroles.

    • Provides insight into case studies, client meetings, and real-time problem-solving.

  • How to Achieve It:

    • Reach out to local consulting offices or alumni from Wycombe Abbey who work in consulting. Many firms offer shadowing or work experience to high school students.

    • Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals and request shadowing opportunities.

    • Some firms, like Deloitte, run Spring Insight Programs that are open to students at the end of Year 12.

2. Work Experience in a Law Firm (Intern or Shadowing)

  • What It Is: Work or shadow in a law firm to learn about the legal profession, client interactions, and case preparation.

  • Why It’s Great for You:

    • Direct exposure to legal work, giving you a taste of the law if you want to explore this option further, while aligning with consulting or policy roles in the future.

    • Research, critical thinking, and presentation skills are developed during legal work, which will be transferable to consulting.

  • How to Achieve It:

    • Contact local law firms (e.g., Clifford Chance, Linklaters) to ask about work experience or shadowingopportunities. Many firms have vacation schemes or work shadowing programs for students interested in law.

    • Use LinkedIn to approach alumni or industry professionals for advice or shadowing.

    • Wycombe Abbey's career office may have connections to law firms offering such opportunities.

3. Finance/Investment Banking Insight Program

  • What It Is: Participate in a Spring Insight or work placement at a top finance firm such as Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, or Barclays.

  • Why It’s Great for You:

    • Gives you hands-on exposure to financial markets, investment strategies, and the role of an investment banker.

    • You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the finance sector, especially important for careers in investment banking, consulting, or corporate strategy.

    • Valuable for economics, management, or finance degrees at Oxbridge or G5 universities.

  • How to Achieve It:

    • Apply for Spring Insight Programs or Insight Days on the websites of firms like Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Barclays. These typically open around October/November and close in January.

    • Check platforms like InvestIn or Springpod for virtual finance-related work experiences.

    • Wycombe Abbey Career Office can assist with securing connections or finding alumni who work in the sector.

4. Intern at a Public Policy Think Tank or NGO

  • What It Is: Work at a public policy think tank or NGO, such as IPPR (Institute for Public Policy Research) or The Centre for Policy Studies. You will be involved in research, drafting reports, or working on policy briefs.

  • Why It’s Great for You:

    • Directly related to your interest in public policy and consulting.

    • Provides experience in policy analysis, research, and policy recommendations, which are key in consulting and government advisory roles.

    • Strong foundation for an Oxbridge PPE or public policy degree.

  • How to Achieve It:

    • Look for internships or summer placements at institutions like IPPR, CPS, or Chatham House.

    • You can also search for research assistant roles or unpaid internships in policy-oriented NGOs.

    • Many think tanks have applications in spring/summer, so be prepared to apply in advance.

5. Volunteering at a Political Campaign or Organization

  • What It Is: Volunteer for a political campaign, whether local or national, or with a political party (e.g., Labour Party, Conservative Party, or a specific candidate's office).

  • Why It’s Great for You:

    • Hands-on involvement in political campaigning, public relations, or organizing community outreach, which will align with your Politics and Geography A-levels.

    • Develops skills in public speaking, policy communication, and strategic planning, crucial for consulting, policy analysis, or public service.

    • Offers real-world political experience, which will look impressive for Oxbridge or G5 universities.

  • How to Achieve It:

    • Get in touch with local MPs or political campaigns (find contact details through party websites or social media).

    • Many political parties offer volunteer opportunities during election cycles. Check party websites for open positions or internships.

    • Contact Wycombe Abbey alumni who are involved in politics for mentoring or potential opportunities.

Key Resources for Year 12 Work Experience and Shadowing:

  • LinkedIn: Use to connect with alumni and professionals in consulting, finance, law, and public policy for potential shadowing or internships.

  • InvestIn: Offers virtual work experience in areas like consulting, finance, law, and business strategy.

  • Springpod: Offers insight days and virtual internships in law, finance, and business sectors.

  • Springboard: Lists remote and local internships for students interested in law, finance, and consulting.

  • Wycombe Abbey Career Office: A vital resource for connecting with alumni and securing work experience placements in consulting, finance, law, and policy.

  • Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and Deloitte: These firms offer Spring Insight Programs and other early opportunities for students interested in finance and consulting.

  • IPPR, CPS, Chatham House: These think tanks offer policy internships or placements, ideal for future public policy careers.

  • Chambers Student: A helpful platform for finding vacation schemes in law, which can be a great way to get into the legal profession.