The GAIN Investment Insight Programme

⏰ Applications to the 2026 programme open on 10th November 2025 ⏰

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Explore investing with confidence.

Designed for first-year undergraduates (or second year of a four-year course), the GIIP helps you take the first step toward a career in investment management.

Curious about ‘Spring Week’ opportunities? Want to discover what investing is really like? On the GIIP, you'll:

Hear directly from investment professionals about their roles.
Join small-group mentoring sessions to build your knowledge and network.
Attend two in-person Spring Days at a leading investment firm over Easter.

If you’re ready to get ahead in your career exploration, apply to the GIIP today and unlock the world of investing.

Blue circle with black text stating "100% of GIIP participants would recommend this programme to other students."

Why choose the GIIP?

More than a Spring Week. A head start in investing.

The GIIP goes beyond the typical Spring Week by offering a comprehensive 10-week experience. You’ll gain foundational knowledge of investment management and the skills to succeed through:

Live online events and expert-led workshops.
One-to-one mentoring and small group support.
Two exclusive in-person Spring Days with a top investment firm.

Join over 100 ambitious young women and non-binary students who are discovering the diverse and rewarding careers this industry offers.

The GIIP is open to:

Young women and non-binary individuals.
First-year undergraduates at UK universities (or second year of a four-year course).
Students from any degree discipline — no finance background needed.
Students with an interest in learning about what a career in investment management is like.
Individuals who are curious and love learning, have strong communication and teamworking skills, and are interested in exploring investment management as a future career.
Hard working, enthusiastic students who understand the commitment requirements of the programme.

Who can take part?

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What's Included?

Weekly Seminars

Weekly live sessions designed to inspire & inform.
Mentoring

Small group mentoring from an investment industry professional.
Networking

Access to industry professionals through networking events.
Spring Days

Two in-person Spring Days at an investment firm .
Certificate

Certificate of completion to showcase to future employers.
Technical skills training

Helping you to create and present a group stock pitch.

The GIIP Spring Days are the highlight of your 10-week journey, bringing your online learning and mentoring to life. They will take place on 8–9 April 2026 in London and (subject to demand) Edinburgh.

Small Group Experience

From the start of the programme, you’ll be placed in a supportive peer networking group of 5–7 students. You’ll attend your Spring Days together, creating a more personal, collaborative experience with your host firm.

Bespoke, Interactive Activities

Each firm designs a unique programme of activities to give you an inside look at investment management. Previous Spring Days have featured:

Firm overviews and insights into how they operate
Work shadowing with investment teams
CV tips, interview skills, and internship application advice
Speed networking sessions and networking lunches

Your Stock Pitch Challenge

Together with your peer group, you’ll research, develop, and present a stock pitch to a panel of investment professionals. You’ll have worked on this project virtually throughout the programme and will rehearse it on the first day before presenting.

“GAIN has massively improved my confidence and presentation skills, giving me a true insight into investment management. I've met so many amazing people throughout this programme and will be forever grateful.” — Madeleine

For details on financial support for travel and accommodation, see our FAQs section.

The Spring Days

2025 host firms

Schedule for GAIN Investment Insight Programme 2026, listing dates, topics, and content for each week from February to April, including introductions, fundamentals, mentorship meetings, ESG investment, and career toolkit sessions.

What our GIIP Alumni think…

"The GIIP was transformative, offering a unique blend of mentorship, practical experience, and industry exposure. It not only deepened my understanding of investments but also equipped me with the confidence and skills to navigate the financial world.”

“The best thing I could have done in order to prepare myself for a future in investment management.”

“Joining the GIIP programme was the best decision I made in my first year. It is a great way to make a first step in the industry, meet so many bright minds and to just learn more about investment management overall.”

“A truly transformative experience - just weeks ago, I didn’t even fully understand what a 'stock' was. Fast forward to today, and I’m confidently presenting a stock pitch, all thanks to the incredible support and guidance from the GAIN team. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in such an empowering environment.”

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Applications accepted 10th November - 14th December
Applicants will be notified whether or not they are successful by 2nd January
9 x virtual events every Monday evening, 10 February – 14 April 2025
3 x one-hour virtual sessions with a mentor in small groups February – April 2025
2 x in-person days at an insight event 09 & 10 April 2025
1 x in-person networking event on 09 April 2025
· Understanding of the investment management industry taught directly from industry experts, career guidance and an expanded professional network
· small group mentoring from an investment professional
· Knowledge on how to prepare and deliver a stock pitch - great to add to your CV!
· A GIIP graduate certificate of programme completion (please note programme completion requires a minimum of 80% programme attendance & return of our feedback questionnaire)
Applications for the programme are open 11th November to 15th December 2024.
You will need to complete an application form which will be reviewed by the Programmes Team.
We will be looking for intellectually curious individuals who love learning, have strong communication and teamworking skills, and are interested in exploring investment management as a future career.
We suggest you review GAIN’s application advice which can be found in our resources.
Please note, this is a competitive programme and, unfortunately, not everyone who applies will be offered a place on the programme.
Applications to the programme will not be on a rolling basis. Eligible students will be invited to apply to the programme between the 11th November and the 15th December 2024.
We will contact you by 6th January 2025 to confirm if your application has been successful. We will also notify you if you are unsuccessful.

FAQs

Participants will only be accepted onto the programme if they are available for the Spring Days.
Your host investment firm will support your travel costs so you can attend both in-person Spring Days during Easter 2025 with minimal financial worry.
- Travel: £60 per day towards travel costs from your UK address (home or university) to the firm’s office, if you live outside Zones 1–2 in London or more than 5 miles from the Edinburgh host firm.
- Accommodation: If you’re travelling over 50 miles, the firm will also contribute up to £150 for one night’s accommodation (except for Glasgow–Edinburgh travellers, who will receive travel reimbursement only).
- Meals: Lunch and refreshments are provided on both Spring Days.
While these contributions are designed to cover the majority of costs, if you need additional support, we encourage you to check with your university about any extra travel funding they may offer.
We’re committed to making the GIIP accessible to everyone. GAIN offers a discretionary bursary to help cover additional costs for eligible students:
GAIN Student Bursary for Low-Income Households
- Remaining travel costs: We’ll cover any travel expenses not already met by the £60 per day from your host firm.
- Office attire: £50 contribution to help you dress professionally for your Spring Days.
GAIN Student Bursary for Distant Travel
- Accommodation: Up to £150 toward an extra night’s stay before the Spring Days if you're travelling over 125 miles.
To see if you’re eligible and to apply for the GAIN Bursary, please visit here.
- You will receive a GIIP certificate of completion to showcase to future employers
- You will receive priority communications from GAIN about the GAIN Empower Investment Internship Programme including top tips on applying
- You will be prioritised for invites to future GAIN events
- You could be nominated by GAIN/your Insight Days Firm and/or your Mentor for our ‘GIIP student of the year’ award at the GAIN 2025 awards ceremony