Eligibility Questions
Q: I do not currently study computer science / information systems or a technology-related degree course. Am I still eligible to apply?
A: Yes you may still apply but you should have and be able to demonstrate a strong interest in technology and a willingness to learn a programming language if required.
Q: Is knowledge of a programming language a requirement?
A: No, this is not a requirement but knowledge of at least one programming language (i.e. C++, Java, etc) is recommended.
Q: I am a final year student - may I still apply to SEO-London?
A: Applicants for the summer internship should either be in the penultimate year of their undergraduate degree or in their final year with plans to complete a one year master’s course the following year. Applicants for the one year industrial placement should be enrolled in a sandwich-course allowing for one year’s work experience between their penultimate and final years of study.
Q: What is SEO London's grade requirement?
A: SEO's minimum grade requirement for the Technology programme is equivalent to 'CCC' at A-level and a second upper class (2.1) expected at university.
Q: I did not achieve CCC equivalent at A-level and/or am not on track for a 1st/2.1 at university. Can I still apply to SEO London?
A: Applicants who do not achieve a minimum of CCC at A-level or who are not on track for a 1st/2.1 at university will generally not be considered unless there are mitigating circumstances (e.g. medical issues, for which the applicant would have to provide official documentation).
Q: I am an international student who is not studying in the UK at present - can I apply?
A: To be eligible to apply you must have studied within the UK for at least one year and must also be available in person for one of our London assessment centres (held in January and February). All international applicants should be intending to start their careers in London after graduation and remain for at least three years.
Q: I have made a past application to SEO in previous years. Can I still apply for this year’s class?
A: Yes, you are eligible to apply again but you must meet our eligibility criteria (i.e. be in your penultimate year of study, including a master’s degree if applicable) and complete a new application.
Q: I have made an application to SEO USA; am I also eligible to apply to SEO London?
A: Yes, as long as you meet our eligibility criteria. You must have studied or be planning to study in the UK for at least one year and you must also be available in person for one of our London assessment centres (held in January and February). You should also be aware of the key dates and make sure these dates complement your own schedule if you will be studying outside the UK.
Application Questions
Q: When is the deadline (for both the application and the letter of recommendation?
A: The deadline for both the application and the letter of recommendation is 15 December 2008. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible as places on the SEO programme are filled on a rolling basis. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that your recommendation provider submits the recommendation letter before the deadline – applications will not be considered without a recommendation letter from a current academic tutor.
Q: To whom should I address my cover letter?
A: You should address your covering letter to Hason Sandhu (Executive Director).
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 the application?
A: You should fill out the application as best you can with the international equivalent for each academic qualification. If you are unable to do this please mention so and detail the information on your CV so that we know to refer to that.
Q: I have only applied to a few banks directly at this point, but I plan to apply to more in the next few weeks. Should I include the banks to which I plan to apply on the SEO application?
A: Yes.
Q: When I apply to SEO London, is my application sent to the sponsor banks?
A: No. When you apply to SEO London, your SEO application is only for our office and we do not pass this through to our sponsor banks. If you wish to make applications to our sponsor banks then you must do so directly.
Q: My CV is longer than one page for XXX reason, what should I do?
A: You should submit a one page CV with your SEO application. If for XXX reason you need to submit a longer CV, please be aware that if you are successful in being offered a place on the SEO programme, you would then need to update your CV to be no longer than one page. You should try and cut your CV down appropriately, please use the sample CVs as a guide to the type of layout and things you should be including.
Reference Questions
Q: Who should provide my letter of recommendation?
A: Recommendations must be provided by a current academic lecturer or tutor (i.e. not a sixth form teacher or former / current employer) who can comment on your academic record.
Q: Can my recommendation provider submit my recommendations via e-mail?
A: The recommendation cannot be submitted to SEO via email as it would not be official. If your provider is unable to complete the letter online via the application system he/she should alternatively post it to us directly and on official university letterhead.
Q: I would like to add an additional letter of reference, but I have already submitted my application. Can SEO make this change for me?
A: In this case, as in any case where you wish to make changes after you have submitted the application, we need to un-submit your application, and then you will have to re-submit after you have made the changes. We are unable to make any changes to your application on your behalf. Please add in the name of your new recommendation provider (then you can select an online recommendation or hard copy by post) and then re-submit.
Q: How will I know if SEO London has received my letter of reference?
A: You will be able to go back into your application and check that the letter has been submitted by using your PIN. You are also able to send a reminder to the provider through your application if you think too much time has passed and you want to ensure that it is sent. **Once your application says the reference has been submitted, please take this as confirmation that we have it stored in our system.** SEO London views the same screen that you view, so it does not help you to call us to confirm whether your reference has been received.
Technical Problems/Questions
Q: I lost my PIN. Can you look it up for me?
A: No. You should go onto the application website and request that your PIN be sent to you (press the search button). If this fails you need to contact technical support via the website. SEO outsources the application technology, so we do not retain this type of information at the SEO office.
Application Strategy Questions & Tips from SEO London
Q: Should I make applications directly to the banks as well? Will this help or hurt my chances of getting an internship in an investment bank this summer?
A: SEO encourages you to make applications directly to the banks that most interest you. Please keep a few factors in mind as you devise your application strategy:
- SEO will not be able to place you in any bank where your direct application has been rejected.
- We would therefore advise you to pay close attention to the screening criteria that a bank details for those interested in applying (in particular, the academic grades required at A-level, university, etc.). Given the extremely high number of internship applications most banks receive, these grade requirements can often be very high and therefore result in your application being automatically rejected if you do not meet them.
- We always recommend that you make direct applications in addition to your SEO application to make sure you maximise your chances of gaining an internship.
Q: What should I do to improve my chances of being accepted into the SEO London Internship Programme and/or directly to an investment bank?
A: We have compiled a packet of resources that contains detailed information about what you need to do to prepare for applications and interviews to SEO and to investment banks.
