Imagine scrolling through LinkedIn and witnessing yet another internship success story. You wonder, “What am I missing?” In today’s competitive landscape, landing a top internship isn’t just about grades - it’s about strategy.
Meet Fraser Shaw, a final-year BA (Hons) student in International Relations with Quantitative Research Methods at the University of Leeds. Fraser didn’t just apply blindly - he built in-demand skills, networked strategically, and secured a Summer Analyst role at BNY. His journey is a guide for students aiming to break into finance. In this interview, Fraser shares the exact steps he took - so if you’re feeling stuck, this is for you.
Background
How did you assess the alignment between your academic background in International Relations with Quantitative Research Methods and the skills required for a role as Summer Analyst at BNY? What gaps did you identify, and how did you bridge them?
"My International Relations degree with Quantitative Research Methods built a strong foundation in data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving - key skills for finance and consulting. To enhance my technical abilities, I pursued LinkedIn Learning and Forage courses in data modelling and analytics. Joining my university’s consulting society further refined my technical and interpersonal skills through real-world projects, bridging the gap between academics and industry demands."
2. The Internship Hunt
Landing an internship at a firm like BNY is a dream for many students. Walk us through your process - how did you find the opportunity, and what was your strategy for standing out in the application process?
"I started by researching companies whose values aligned with my career goals, focusing my efforts on firms like BNY. To maximise my chances, I applied to a wide range of opportunities, including roles in Manchester and other locations. I used Bright Network to track deadlines and stay organised throughout the process. To stand out, I tailored my applications to highlight how my unique combination of quantitative research skills and international relations expertise could bring a fresh perspective to the role. One thing I did differently was engage with interviewers - asking thoughtful questions about their projects, thought processes, and the firm’s long-term goals - demonstrating my genuine interest and curiosity."
3. The Power of Networking
You networked with many professionals at BNY during your internship. How did you approach these conversations strategically, and what’s your advice for students who feel intimidated by networking?
“Networking can indeed feel intimidating, but I approached it strategically by preparing in advance. I researched individuals on the company website and LinkedIn identified common interests, and prepared thoughtful questions to guide the conversation. During my internship, I reached out to colleagues on Teams for informal coffee chats, which made the process feel more natural. My advice for students is to start small and focus on building genuine connections rather than seeking immediate benefits. Prepare a few key questions; be curious. Networking is about building relationships, not just exchanging business cards.”
4. Skill-Building
You’ve worked on several projects at BNY - which skills are highly sought after? What’s your step-by-step advice for students looking to build similar expertise while still at university?
" Skills like data analysis, visualisation, and problem-solving are highly sought after. Before my internship, I developed these skills through a combination of online and hands-on projects. For example, I completed Forage’s Accenture Data Modeling program and watched free YouTube tutorials to build my technical expertise. My step-by-step advice is:
Identify the skills required for your target roles.
Leverage free resources like Forage, LinkedIn Learning, and YouTube.
Join university societies or clubs to work on real-world projects.
Practice consistently and seek feedback to improve.
Build confidence by applying these skills in academic or extracurricular settings. "
5. The Day-to-Day At BNY
Give us a sneak peek into a typical day as a Summer Analyst at BNY. What’s been the most surprising or challenging part of the role, and how do you approach the problem?
“A typical day involved attending team meetings, working on overarching projects, and collaborating with colleagues to streamline processes. One of the most challenging aspects was presenting complex data analysis to senior managers in a way that was simple and actionable. To tackle this, I focused on breaking down concepts into clear, concise insights and walked my managers through my thought process. This approach not only improved my communication skills but also built trust with my team.”
6. The Future of Work
With AI rapidly transforming industries, many students worry about how to stay relevant in entry-level roles. How do you see AI impacting your field, and what’s your advice for students looking to future-proof their careers in an AI-driven world?
“AI is undoubtedly transforming fields like finance and data analytics, but I see it as a tool to enhance, not replace, human capabilities. I’ve taken steps to familiarise myself with AI tools, but I also focus on skills that AI can’t replicate - critical thinking, creativity, and interpersonal communication. My advice for students is to embrace AI as a friend, not a foe. Use it to automate repetitive tasks and focus on building your unique human strengths, such as leadership and emotional intelligence, to stay relevant in an AI-driven world.”
7. The Final Question
Balancing academics, internships, and personal life can be tough. How do you manage your time and energy strategically to avoid burnout?
“Balancing everything can be challenging. What’s worked for me is treating my academic and professional commitments like a 9-to-5 job - dedicating specific hours to focused work and setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. I also make time for socialisation and sports, which helps me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.”
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