Nov 24 • Rachel Aspinall

Five ways to keep your interns engaged ahead of summer

The secret to stronger intern performance? It starts long before day one. After a decade partnering with the world’s biggest banks, we’ve cracked what actually keeps early-careers talent engaged, excited, and ready to hit the desk running.

Introduction

The keep-warm period, that long window between offer acceptance and day one, is one of the most important phases in early careers hiring in finance.

Banks know this better than anyone. In fact, many of the world’s leading institutions invest in structured pre-start engagement precisely because this period has such a big impact on confidence, readiness, and ultimately, retention.

At AmplifyME, we’ve spent more than a decade partnering with firms including Bank of America and UBS and others to build keep-warm programmes that genuinely move the needle.

Across tens of thousands of students and interns, one thing is clear: What happens between offer and start date has a huge influence on who turns up confident, committed, and ready to perform.

During this phase, excitement can dip, nerves can spike, and yes, competitors can still be in the mix. The ISE’s data reflects this, nearly a quarter of candidates disengage even after accepting an offer. But when employers invest in the right blend of support, learning, and human connection, the results are powerful: stronger engagement, higher retention, and interns who arrive prepared rather than overwhelmed.

Drawing on 10+ years of experience delivering keep-warm programmes across banking and markets, here are the five strategies we’ve seen consistently make the biggest difference.

1. Monthly wellbeing check-ins that feel human

A simple check-in can have a disproportionately powerful impact. This isn’t about generic updates, it’s about making the transition feel less daunting.

Think:
  • Relocation tips
  • Honest budgeting guidance
  • “What I wish I knew before I moved” lists
  • A quick nudge from a friendly face on your team or a student ambassador


Personal touches win every time.
“I moved to London from Italy at 24, and I was so grateful to have my campus team reach out… including advice on which areas to live in and how not to get ripped off by letting agencies! I followed so much of it.”
Silvia Magni, former IB Analyst
"Armed with the knowledge and techniques obtained from your school, I feel more equipped to navigate the challenging social aspects of the real world and become a professional in my field of choice."
Sue Porter
"I would definitely recommend your school to anyone hoping to pursue a career and be a professional. The support they provided to their students was simply outstanding and the genuine interest and care was obvious and incomparable."
Jenna Bright

2. Immersive Role-Specific Learning that Sticks 

Interns want to feel prepared. Realistic, hands-on simulations give them a safe space to practise decisions, build confidence, and understand the realities of banking and markets before day one.

Role-specific simulations help them:

  • Make real-time decisions in live scenarios
  • Build technical, professional, and commercial awareness
  • Track progress through clear performance data
  • Identify strengths and development needs early


For employers, this provides valuable visibility into skill gaps, role fit, and where extra support may be needed long before interns hit the desk.

We’ve seen this work powerfully with a prominent global bank we partnered with, who introduced a full keep-warm programme built around our tailored simulations for both banking and markets interns.

Their incoming class experienced:

  • A 120-minute sales & trading simulation
  • Banking simulations across M&A, IPOs, lending and valuation
  • Professional mindset and confidence-building workshops

 
The results were standout: 77% rated the flagship simulation “excellent,” with another 18% giving it 7/8. 81% rated their understanding of the bank and its business as excellent,  and overall satisfaction hit 97% above average, leading the bank to roll the programme out to all incoming junior talent.

Combined with light-touch on-demand learning and curated reading lists, simulations like these build genuine readiness, without adding pressure.

3. Mentorship and Buddy Programmes

This remains one of the simplest, most effective keep-warm tactics. Pair candidates with: a graduate from a previous cohort, someone from a similar background or a mentor who can demystify workplace norms. It’s especially powerful for interns from underrepresented groups who may not immediately see themselves reflected in your organisation.
“In the RBC Capital Markets Women’s Advisory Programme, each new participant is paired with someone who can offer guidance from real experience.”
marc caporriccio, former Global Diversity Lead, Early Talent Acquisition, RBC
"Armed with the knowledge and techniques obtained from your school, I feel more equipped to navigate the challenging social aspects of the real world and become a professional in my field of choice."
Sue Porter
"I would definitely recommend your school to anyone hoping to pursue a career and be a professional. The support they provided to their students was simply outstanding and the genuine interest and care was obvious and incomparable."
Jenna Bright

4. Virtual events that build belonging early

Your virtual events don’t need to be high-production, just intentional and human.

With AmplifyME Assess, firms can finally measure what really matters: reaction under pressure, decision quality, and adaptability in the face of uncertainty.

They might be:

  • Department Q&As
  • ERG spotlights
  • Meet-the-team sessions
  • Skills workshops
  • Informal socials


The goal is simple: create familiarity. Help candidates recognise faces, understand your culture, and feel part of the team long before they step through the door.

Highlighting ERGs during these sessions reinforces your commitment to inclusivity and belonging, a huge source of reassurance.

5. Student Ambassador Campaigns 

  • Your current students and graduates are your most credible storytellers.

A Student Ambassador Programme turns them into:

  • On-campus representatives
  • Hosts of peer-led Q&As Social media voices
  • Event organisers
  • Authentic advocates for your early careers offering


Peers trust peers, and ambassadors bring your brand to life in a way no corporate messaging ever can.

It also keeps your future interns engaged and connected while they’re back on campus.

Why this matters: the measurable impact 

Organisations that take keep-warm seriously see:

  • Higher retention (onboarding boosts retention by 52%, SHRM)
  • Faster time to productivity (up by 60%)
  • Lower pre-start drop-off More confident, work-ready interns


But beyond the metrics, this is about people: confidence, connection, belonging, and momentum.

Real results from keep-warm training in action: A recent AmplifyME Keep Warm Programme delivered for HSBC’s incoming interns showed just how quickly confidence and capability can grow when candidates are supported before day one:

  • 91% of interns reported improved confidence in the area of finance covered
  • 100% reported improved technical skills
  • 91% reported increased knowledge of the area


These gains came before interns even started, showing how high-quality pre-start training can flatten learning curves, reduce anxiety, and set stronger foundations for success.

AmplifyME’s own approach, combining role-specific simulations, soft-skills development, mentorship, and ongoing support, has helped thousands of candidates step into their roles with a sense of readiness and excitement.

In 2025, the winning keep-warm strategies will blend structured learning, true personalisation, and authentic human connection. Do that well, and you don’t just protect your pipeline, you build loyalty long before day one.

Get in touch with the team today to learn how we can support with retention and hiring.