Universities seek students who go beyond the classroom to gain key skills and insights into their chosen course. Whether you're applying in the UK, US or beyond, demonstrating practical experience and a clear motivation for your chosen path in your application can give you a competitive edge.

InvestIN offers career programmes where students work alongside professionals, explore real workplaces and gain hands-on experience in their chosen field. These experiences provide valuable insights, enable you to build key skills and can serve as a source of inspiration to draw upon in your application.

InvestIN is the only summer school provider that equips students with a qualification in work experience. Students enrolling in a two-week Summer Experience Programme can opt to complete a Level 3 Qualification in Work Experience & Career Planning, earning a recognised qualification that enhances their university applications and demonstrates their commitment.

During the programme, students will complete a reflective diary, documenting the industry skills and insights they develop. This diary will capture key learning experiences, from understanding workplace dynamics to honing specific technical and soft skills. The workbook will then be assessed against established criteria, and should students pass, they will achieve the qualification. For those applying to UK universities, this award also equates to eight UCAS points, which can be added directly to your university application.

Watch our short video explaining how it works here.

The UCAS personal statement format has changed. From 2026 entry, students applying to UK universities must answer three structured questions as part of the application process:

• Why do you want to study this course or subject?
• How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject?
• What else have you done to prepare outside of formal education, and why are these experiences useful?

Through participating in a Summer Experience Programme, students gain meaningful experiences that help them confidently answer these questions. They will:

• Engage with professionals who inspire their interest in the subject
• Deepen their understanding and build key skills through hands-on experiences
• Bridge the gap between their current studies and future aspirations
• Gain a wide range of real-world experiences and talking points to demonstrate their passion, commitment and suitability for their chosen field
• Receive expert coaching on university applications and interviews
  

Take our short quiz to assess how prepared you are for the new UCAS personal statement format. After completing the quiz, you'll receive a personalised report with actionable steps to make your application stand out.