Excited about forging a career in finance, engineering or leadership? Today, we’re bringing you a) the top careers and roles within each of those industries b) the key skills you need c) advice on how to get there and d) (the best bit!) our top recommendations for UK summer camps in each, that’ll give you an unforgettable summer as well as proving invaluable when it comes to your university applications. Read about the careers that most interest you and get in touch today about applying to the camps this summer. Don’t delay as NOW is the time to enrol! Time is running out!!
Banking/finance careers
The finance industry is rapidly evolving, and new opportunities are emerging for those with the right skills. No day will ever be the same. It’s fast paced and unpredictable, so a thirst for knowledge will stand you in good stead as you’ll be constantly learning new things. Here are 5 of the fastest-growing careers in finance and what you need to succeed:
1. Investment banking
What you’ll do: Advise businesses on mergers, acquisitions, and raising capital. This high-pressure, high-reward field is perfect for ambitious finance professionals.
Key skills: Strong numerical and analytical skills, excellent communication, discipline, the ability to work under pressure and being able to adapt to changing circumstances.
How to get there: Track down investment banks at your school’s careers fairs and get their contact details for follow-up questions. Also look for summer internships during the summer prior to your penultimate year. You might have the opportunity to interview for a permanent role on completion!
Summer camps: There are UK Investment Banking Summer Camps but many other skills are utilised by the industry also, including maths, politics and languages . We can direct you towards the best UK Summer Camps this year in any of those. Just tell us which one.
2. FinTech & digital banking
What you’ll do: Work at the intersection of finance and technology, developing innovative banking solutions like mobile payments, blockchain, and AI-driven finance tools.
Key skills: Tech literacy, coding basics (Python, SQL) and a deep understanding of financial systems.
How to get there: Ask to pursue FinTech-related projects as part of your business or computer science studies at school and look at joining extra-curricular clubs in technology, finance and coding.
Summer camps: There are UK Summer Camps in Business or Computer Science that include FinTech-related projects in addition to UK Finance and Economics Summer Camps that enable you to tailor a course accordingly.
3. Wealth management & financial advisory
What you’ll do: Help individuals and businesses manage their assets, plan investments, and optimise financial growth strategies.
Key skills: In a challenging environment problem-solving skills are sought after. Also great communication skills are needed for building relationships with clients and being able to break down complex financial concepts clearly.
How to get there: Gain valuable knowledge and experience through work experience and developing key skills like mathematics, business studies and economics. Some financial organisations offer apprenticeships.
Summer camps: Enrol today on UK Summer Camps that focus on Maths, Business Finance or Economics.
4. ESG & sustainable finance
What you’ll do: Work on finance strategies that prioritise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, helping companies and investors make responsible financial decisions.
Key skills: Being a “people person” is beneficial. To be able to influence and advocate for sustainable practices and build trust. A good understanding of financial markets, investment principles, and risk management is also needed.
How to get there: Look at extra-curricular clubs at school in areas such as the environment, leadership or equality. There will also be voluntary work and internships that you can get involved with.
Summer camps: Take part in a UK Summer Camps in either Leadership or Environmental Science. Or both!
5. Risk management & compliance
What you’ll do: Identify and manage financial risks, ensuring that businesses comply with regulations and avoid costly pitfalls.
Key skills: A blend of sharp analytical skills, excellent communication abilities and meticulous attention to detail – alongside strong mathematical capability.
How to get there: Many financial organisations run internships. You can prepare during term-time too by developing your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills by participating in debates, taking on leadership roles and actively seeking projects that require critical thinking and teamwork.
Summer camps: To get started, enrol on one of the number of leading UK Summer Camps this year that focus on Business, Financial Management or Economics.
Engineering careers
Engineering is about more than just solving problems – it’s about innovation, creativity, and making an impact. The engineering industry is experiencing growth, driven by investment in infrastructure, climate adaptation and energy projects, advancements in AI and ever-increasing cyberattacks. Here are 5 of the top careers in engineering and what you need to get a foot in the door.
1. Renewable energy engineers
What you’ll do: Design and implement technologies, harnessing solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources.
Key skills: Strong technical knowledge of renewable technologies, analytical and problem-solving abilities, mathematic and scientific ability and excelling in project management.
How to get there: Follow industry news, join engineering communities online and via LinkedIn and get hands-on experience through internships; supporting community-scale renewable energy schemes.
Summer Camps: Jump on an immersive Environmental Science UK Summer Camp this summer.
2. Data Engineers
What you’ll do: Design and maintain the systems that collect, store and analyse vast amounts of data, enabling businesses to make informed business decisions.
Key skills: Proficiency in programming languages like Python/SQL, database management, data modelling, data warehousing, and understanding of big data technologies and cloud computing. Also, good communication and problem-solving skills.
How to get there: Get coding! Find online tutorials or hands-on projects via internships. Join a tech community, particularly on LinkedIn.
Summer camps: Enrol in UK Summer Camps in Maths, Physics or Computer Science.
3. Cybersecurity Engineering
What you’ll do: Safeguard organisations against cyber threats and other malicious activities by designing and implementing secure systems, identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security protocols and conducting risk assessments.
Key skills: Technical proficiency in areas like network security, cryptography, and programming, alongside strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
How to get there: Build a strong foundation in computer science or related fields; gaining practical experience through after-school clubs, online resources and pursuing entry-level certifications and apprenticeships in cybersecurity.
Summer camps: Computer Science UK Summer Camps are the answer here.
4. Robotics and Automation
What you’ll do: Design algorithms and systems that automate processes in industries ranging from healthcare to finance; boosting productivity and efficiency.
Key skills: A strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and programming, along with abilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, problem-solving, and communication.
How to get there: Develop a strong foundation in STEM subjects. Get hands-on with robotics kits, coding apps and competitions – and consider after-school programmes in science, technology, engineering, and maths.
Summer camps: The UK Summer Camp you need for this area is Computing Robotics.
5. Biomedical Engineers
What you’ll do: Create and improve medical devices and technologies. Working at the intersection of engineering, biology, and medicine; finding solutions to medical and biological challenges.
Key skills: A solid understanding of engineering principles, biology and medical technologies. Also strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills and creativity.
How to get there: Get work experience at pharmaceutical companies. Join robotics clubs or science clubs to develop technical skills and a hands-on understanding of engineering principles. Also enter engineering competitions.
Summer camps: Attend a STEM-related UK Summer Camp like Biotechnology & Genetics or Forensic Science. What better way to spend your summer?
C-suite level leadership
The C-suite are the high-ranking executives in a company. They are pinnacle leadership positions that are usually held by individuals with extensive experience, education, and leadership skills. These key roles are responsible for driving the company’s vision, strategy and overall success. They aren’t mutually exclusive and the specific responsibilities and titles of each vary depending on the size and structure of an organisation.
If you want C-suite status early in your career a strategic approach is required. Unwavering determination is a must but you’ll need industry expertise (at least 10 years), to develop your leadership skills and build a strong network.
Here are the top 5.
1. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
What you’ll do: Be responsible for overall strategic direction, the company’s public image and overseeing growth plans. Think strategic management, decision making, budget management, communication and coordination, regulatory compliance, employee management, capital allocation and environmental/social responsibility.
Key skills: Strong leadership abilities, communication skills, strategic thinking, adaptability, problem-solving and the ability to build and motivate teams. Also public speaking skills.
How to get there: Set your career goals and priorities early to help you focus on achieving them. Connect with industry leaders, potential mentors, and recruiters on LinkedIn, while building your personal brand and visibility. Take on leadership positions and join clubs in debating. You could also start a business. There are young entrepreneur programmes which can support you do this.
Summer camps: Look no further than a UK Summer Camp in CEO and Business.
2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
What you’ll do: Oversee all financial matters within an organisation including financial planning, undertaking major investment, accounting, risk management and communicating with key stakeholders.
Key skills: Financial expertise, leadership, strong project management, an effective change leader, integrity, adaptability, emotional intelligence and a forward-looking perspective.
How to get there: Start developing leadership skills through student organisations. Pursue internships in accounting or finance. Network and connect with mentors or experienced professionals on LinkedIn. Keep up to date with current events and developments in the financial industry by reading industry publications and attending webinars.
Summer camps: We recommend Economics and Finance or Business and Entrepreneurship UK Summer Camps.
3. Chief Operating Officer (COO)
What you’ll do: Oversee and manage day-to-day operations of a business and communicate strategies and policies to employees.
Key skills: An effective negotiator, excellent leadership abilities, time management, decision-making, problem-solving, financial acumen and the ability to build and motivate teams.
How to get there: Develop your leadership experience in extra-curricular clubs and sports. Clubs in leadership, debate, business and technology are all good choices. As with CEO and CFOs, network and connect with mentors or experienced professionals on LinkedIn.
Summer camps: Great choices in UK Summer Camps for you include Global Sports Management and Law Politics and International Relations.
4. Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)
What you’ll do: Responsible for planning, developing and implementing the overall marketing strategy for a company, including setting marketing goals, managing budgets and overseeing marketing campaigns that deliver ROI for the business.
Key skills: Vision and creativity, strong communication skills, team leadership, financial acumen, a deep understanding of both traditional and digital marketing practices as well as storytelling abilities.
How to get there: Join school clubs that offer hands-on experience in advertising, event planning, and public relations. Also clubs that focus on business or entrepreneurship where you can develop and implement business ideas and business-focused groups where you can work on your leadership, teamwork and communication skills. And a build a strong marketing network on LinkedIn.
Summer camps: A UK Summer Camp in marketing is the perfect starting point.
5. Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
What you’ll do: Establish and execute the technology strategy to support business objectives for your organisation. Oversee data security, management and governance.
Key skills: A deep understanding of programming languages and strong technical proficiency, strategic thinking, leadership, business knowledge, adaptability, communication skills, decision-making capabilities and problem-solving abilities.
How to get there: Build a strong foundation in technology, programming and software development. Take computer science at school. Gain experience through extra-curricular activities that involve coding projects, software engineering but also leadership. Internships or work placements are vital. And as ever, network, network, network!
Summer camps: We recommend enrolling on a UK Summer Camp in Computer Science today.
Conclusion
Have we whet your appetite? There is no time to lose. The last remaining places are being booked as you read this. If you can’t see the UK Summer Camp that you want, talk to us and we’ll find it for you. Let us help kick-start your career in finance, engineering or leadership. Gain hands-on experience, industry insights, and mentorship from professionals in the field. Get in touch and we’ll get you enrolled onto one of the leading UK Summers Camps TODAY!!
