insight event vs summer internship

Question

hi! for context, im a 2nd year out of a 4 year course. I've seen how most of the insight programmes are meant for 1st out of 3 years or 2nd out of 4 years, and I've also seen how summer internships are meant for penultimate students, so 2nd out of 3 years and 3rd out of 4 years. I've heard that there is no harm in trying to apply for the summer ones since I am technically in 2nd year.

However, this brings me into a dilemma should apply for the spring insights or go straight for the summer internships? I would be competing with first years for the spring insights and would compete with people my age for the summer, but I would love to hear some experienced advice on this.

To add on, would I be automatically rejected if I apply for the summer ones anyways? Last year I tried applying for one of the spring insights but got rejected, was it possible that it was because I was in 1st out of 4 years? Or does it not truly matter and it was just because of my application?

sorry for the lengthy question but thankyou in advanced for the help!

Answer 1

Hi there,

Good question – you’re right that timing can feel confusing. Here’s how it typically works:

Spring insight programmes are primarily targeted at 1st years (3-year course) or 2nd years (4-year course). They’re meant as an introduction to the firm and can help you stand out later in the internship process, but they are not essential.
Summer internships are intended for penultimate-year students – so for you, that will be your 3rd year out of 4. If you apply now (in 2nd year of 4), you’re technically “early” and will most likely be screened out automatically, even if you get through the first filter. Firms are quite strict about year-of-study eligibility because internships are tied to full-time offers.
On your rejection last year: That would not have been because of your year (since you were in the right cohort for spring insight), but rather just because these programmes are very competitive and applications often come down to small differences.

What to do now:

Apply for the spring insight this year – it’s a great way to build connections and shows interest.
Save your main push for the summer internship in your 3rd year, which is the key recruitment gateway.
Don’t worry if you don’t land the spring insight – plenty of people go straight into the summer internship without it.

So in short: go for the spring insight now, then target summer internships in your penultimate year.

Happy to help you prep – feel free to reach out.

Best,

Evelina

Answer 2

Hey :)

You’ve got it right: insight events are mainly for 1st year of a 3-year or 2nd year of a 4-year, while summer internships are for penultimate year (2/3 or 3/4). Since you’re 2nd out of 4, technically you’re still in the insight window, but you can also try summer internships — you won’t be auto-rejected, firms just check that you’re not too far from graduation. Worst case, they’ll move you into the right pipeline.

If you can, I’d apply to both: insights give you networking and a first foot in the door, while summer internships are the real target since they convert to offers. If you only choose one, go for the summer internships, since that’s the key entry point.

And for your earlier rejection: most likely it wasn’t your year that hurt you, but just application competitiveness.

best, Alessa :)