Eligibility Questions
Q: I am not a first year university student. May I still apply for the First Year Fast Track Programme?
A: Only first year university students (or second year students on a four year degree course) are eligible to apply for the First Year Fast Track Programme. If you are in your penultimate year of study or in your final year, you may be eligible to apply for the SEO Internship or Graduate Programmes.
Q: Is there a grade requirement for the First Year Fast Track Programme?
A: SEO's minimum grade requirement for the First Year Fast Track is equivalent to 'BBB' at A-level.
Q: I did not achieve BBB equivalent at A-level. Can I still apply for the First Year Fast Track Programme?
A: Applicants who do not achieve a minimum of BBB at A-level will generally not be considered unless there are mitigating circumstances (e.g. medical issues, for which the applicant would have to provide official documentation).
Application Questions
Q: When is the deadline for applications?
A: The deadline for applications to the First Year Fast Track Investment Banking Programme is 31 December 2011. The deadline for applications to the First Year Fast Track Corporate Law Programme and Professional Services Programme is 31 December 2011. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible as places on the SEO programme are filled on a rolling basis.
Q: Do I need to submit an online application and provide a recommendation letter?
A: Yes. To apply for the First Year Fast Track Programme, please make an online application and ensure that you have one recommendation from a tutor who will confirm that you are studying at the university.
Q: Will there be a numeracy test, interview or assessment centre for First Year Fast Track applicants?
A: No, candidates will be screened based on their CVs and cover letters only. You may also be required to undertake a telephone interview.
Q: To whom should I address my cover letter?
A: You should address your covering letter to Miss Akua Ampofo.
Q: A significant portion of my education has taken place outside of the UK. How do you advise that I fill out the education portion of my CV?
A: You should include as best you can the international equivalent for each academic qualification. As we will be assessing your application alongside your CV (which should include all the relevant details) any questions we have we will contact you about.
Q: I am applying to some Spring Insight programmes at some of SEO’s sponsor firms. May I still apply to the SEO First Year Fast Track?
A: Yes.
Q: My CV is longer than one page, what should I do?
A: It is an industry standard that for Investment Banking and Professional Services that you supply a one page CV. At this stage you should use this opportunity to create a concise and professional CV in line with what would be expected in your internship applications next year and of course subsequent job applications
Q: Can I apply for all three industry programmes for the FYFT?
A: Yes. You will need to indicate your preference on the application form but you can apply for all three mini internships for investment banking, corporate law and professional services. You will be screened for all three separately. Being successful into one industry will NOT automatically guarantee you a place on all three industry programmes.
SPONSOR FIRMS
- Accenture, Bank of American Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital, Citi, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Factset, Goldman Sachs, HSBC IB, J.P. Morgan, KPMG, Macquarie Capital, Morgan Stanley, Nomura, Novartis, Procter & Gamble, PwC
