CAMPUS CHRONICLER: Here's how to play Spring Week

The first batch of Spring Weeks begins this week. And as I mentioned previously, if you're participating, it's important that you make the best impression possible.

Personally, I have completed four spring weeks at Goldman Sachs, Barclays Capital, Citigroup and RBS. I know from first hand experience that the level of talent and the degree of competition varies considerably from bank to bank.

If you're in a front office programme, expect rotations/ a desk placement, theory, or a combination of time with the business and classroom learning. BarCap's Spring Week was theory based. Both Goldman and RBS's programmes focused heavily on theory and rotations. They also provided an opportunity to gain a summer internship offer for the subsequent year.

It's hard to stand out in theory sessions. They generally involve listening to speakers and trying to take in as much information as possible. If you want to differentiate yourself, it's easiest to do so while you're on the desk.

You do this by appearing intelligent, sharp, inquisitive and personable. Ensure you're up to date on the financial markets: you need to be able to discuss and substantiate your views. Ask lots of questions, but make sure they're not stupid ones. For example one girl on Goldman Sachs' Spring Programme repeatedly asked what a bid/ask spread was; she was not offered a summer internship.

Most rotations are done in pairs. Bankers will compare you against your pair, so don't be outshone by your partner. And remember: bankers enjoy talking about themselves and their jobs; don't interrupt them and make yourself seem like the kind of person they wouldn't mind sitting next to for 12 hours a day.

Even if your internship is theoretical, you can make the most out of it through impressing members of the business during networking events and also in group exercises such as presentations and pitches.

Good luck.