Boost Your Internship Application with AI…Without Overdoing It

Jul 25

If you're thinking about applying for The GAIN Empower Investment Internship Programme, you're probably already doing your research on how to stand out, and maybe wondering if using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini can give you an edge. The short answer? Yes, but only if you use them right.

With more students turning to AI for help with internship applications, especially for competitive roles in investment management, it's important to understand where AI fits in (and where it doesn’t).

At GAIN, we do use AI tools on our end, not just to process your application, but also to check for originality. That means if your application looks like it was entirely generated by AI, we’ll likely know. More importantly, your application will blend in with hundreds of others, not stand out.

Here’s how to use AI appropriately in your internship application, and avoid the mistakes that could cost you the opportunity.

DO: Use AI to Build a Framework

Think of ChatGPT or other generative tools as your digital whiteboard. They can help you:

Brainstorm structure and flow for your responses
Get prompts for how to reflect on your experiences
Explore ideas for how to explain your interest in investment management

But that’s where AI’s job ends. Use it to get started, not to finish the job.

DON’T: Copy and Paste Your Whole Application

We get it, ChatGPT is convenient. But copying and pasting an entire AI-generated answer, especially without editing, is one of the fastest ways to weaken your application.

Applications like that tend to:

Include vague buzzwords like “dynamic,” “synergise,” or “leverage” that say nothing specific about you
Use overly formal Americanisms that don’t sound natural
Leave in awkward phrasing or even the original AI prompt (yes, we’ve seen it!)

Your application should sound like you. If it doesn’t, we’ll notice, and we won’t be impressed.

DO: Make It Personal and Relevant

Once you’ve got a framework, make the content your own:

Add real examples that match your CV
Reflect on why investment management genuinely interests you
Share insights that only you can speak to, from your background, studies, or experiences

Don’t include phrases, terms, or theory that you don’t fully understand. If you couldn’t confidently explain something in an interview, leave it out.

DON’T Try to Fool the System

We understand that students are using AI tools more and more, and that’s okay. But remember this: if you rely too heavily on AI, your application will likely be flagged during our review process.

As we say on our application form: “Over reliance on AI-generated content is strongly discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.”

In other words, it’s fine to use AI for inspiration, just don’t let it do the talking for you.

Final Thoughts: Use AI Smartly, Not Lazily

AI is a powerful tool, but it’s not a shortcut to authenticity. The best applications we receive are thoughtful, well-written, and personal. They reflect who the applicant is, not what ChatGPT thinks an applicant should sound like.

So, if you’re applying to GAIN’s Investment Management Internship, remember: