The GAIN Investment Insight Programme
Welcome to
the GAIN Investment Insight Programme, an online, 10-week, introductory course
to the world of investment management!
The Programme offers students from any degree background the chance to gain real insight into investment management by taking take part in live online seminars, expert-led workshops, small-group mentoring, and two in-person Spring Days at leading investment firms in London and Edinburgh.
Through these experiences, the GIIP aims to deepen industry understanding, build professional networks, and strengthen technical and presentation skills — all with the goal of empowering students to confidently explore and pursue careers in investment management.
Sounds exciting? Let's go!
The Programme offers students from any degree background the chance to gain real insight into investment management by taking take part in live online seminars, expert-led workshops, small-group mentoring, and two in-person Spring Days at leading investment firms in London and Edinburgh.
Through these experiences, the GIIP aims to deepen industry understanding, build professional networks, and strengthen technical and presentation skills — all with the goal of empowering students to confidently explore and pursue careers in investment management.
Sounds exciting? Let's go!
-
Type
GAIN Programme -
Starting date
2nd February 2026 -
Live Sessions
8 Live Zoom Webinars -
Spring Days
2 in-person Spring Days at an investment firm in London or Edinburgh
As a GIIPer, you will gain...
Write your awesome label here.
Real-world Experience
Be an Investor! Analyse live market data and make real investment recommendations.
Industry Exposure
Discover how investing really works through firm visits, panels, and expert-led online sessions.
Skills for your CV
Boost your CV with real experience, mentoring, and exposure to top investment firms.
Team Work
Develop your teamwork and leadership skills through group assignments and presentations.
Course Lessons
The GIIP was transformative, offering a unique blend of mentorship, practical experience, and industry exposure. It not only deepened my understanding of investments but also equipped me with the confidence and skills to navigate the financial world.
AparAjita, GIIP 2025
Meet your Universities & Career Pathways team
Paige Taylor
Universities & Career Pathways Manager
Paige has been at GAIN for three years and has a mixed but fun background between compliance, HR, youth work and the theatre!
Fun Fact: Paige could give you a one-woman show of the Hamilton soundtrack from start to finish (some dance motifs included!)
Fun Fact: Paige could give you a one-woman show of the Hamilton soundtrack from start to finish (some dance motifs included!)
Brooke Johnson
Universities & Career Pathways Coordinator
Brooke has a background in the charity sector and holds a Master’s in Sociology and Global Change from the University of Edinburgh. She is passionate about empowering young women and advancing accessibility and diversity in the investment industry.
Fun Fact: As a child, Brooke was once featured in a baseball commercial!
Fun Fact: As a child, Brooke was once featured in a baseball commercial!
Izzy Davies
Universities & Career Pathways Coordinator
Izzy is the newest addition to the GAIN Universities & Career Pathways Team having studied Psychology at University of Liverpool and worked in clean-tech Recruitment, she is super excited to be working with both firms and students to bring GAIN's mission to life.
Fun Fact: Izzy once spent a month volunteering in a remote village in Fiji teaching sports and fully embracing the Fijian lifestyle.
#to be curious | #to be the change | #to learn | #to empower others | #to be yourself
Being part of GAIN means...
Frequently asked questions
How will the programme be delivered?
The weekly GIIP sessions will be delivered online via Zoom. All sessions will be recorded, so you can watch them back at any time.
Mentoring will take place via Mentorloop, which is where you’ll communicate with your group and your mentor about your stock pitch presentation. You are also welcome to set up a WhatsApp chat with your group (excluding your mentor) if you find that works best for you.
You will be required to attend two Spring Days in either London or Edinburgh, where you will deliver your group stock pitch presentation.
What are the key programme dates I should be aware of?
📅 February
GIIP 2026 Introduction — 2nd February, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Fundamentals of Investment Management — 9th February, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
AmplifyMe | How to Create a Stock Pitch — 16th February, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Networking Event — 19th February
Mentor Meeting 1 — 23rd February, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
📅 March
AmplifyMe | Finance Fundamentals — 2nd March, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Mentor Meeting 2 — 9th March, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
ESG & Sustainability Integration — 16th March, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Get Ready for Your Spring Days — 23rd March, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Mentor Meeting 3 — 30th March, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
📅 April
GIIP Spring Days — 8th & 9th
April Networking Event — 8th April
Investment Career Toolkit — 13th April, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
GIIP 2026 Introduction — 2nd February, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Fundamentals of Investment Management — 9th February, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
AmplifyMe | How to Create a Stock Pitch — 16th February, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Networking Event — 19th February
Mentor Meeting 1 — 23rd February, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
📅 March
AmplifyMe | Finance Fundamentals — 2nd March, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Mentor Meeting 2 — 9th March, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
ESG & Sustainability Integration — 16th March, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Get Ready for Your Spring Days — 23rd March, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
Mentor Meeting 3 — 30th March, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
📅 April
GIIP Spring Days — 8th & 9th
April Networking Event — 8th April
Investment Career Toolkit — 13th April, 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
What happens if I miss a session or can’t attend live?
We ask that you prioritise attending live so you get the most out of the sessions, however we understand that sometimes you wont be able to attend live. If you are unable to attend, please be sure to email the programmes team, informing us of of your absence. All sessions will be recorded and made available on Learnworlds.
What is the stock pitch activity?
For the GIIP Stock Pitch activity, you and your peer group will work together to research, develop, and present a stock pitch to a panel of investment professionals during Spring Days. Throughout the programme, you’ll collaborate virtually with your group and mentor, diving into company analysis, financial metrics, and investment reasoning. On the first day of Spring Days, you’ll have the chance to rehearse your pitch before presenting it to the panel.
Never pitched a stock before? Don’t worry! We’ll provide all the resources and guidance you need, so you’ll be confident, prepared, and have a little fun along the way.
Never pitched a stock before? Don’t worry! We’ll provide all the resources and guidance you need, so you’ll be confident, prepared, and have a little fun along the way.
What can I expect during the Spring Days
The Spring Days are the highlight of the GIIP! Each participating firm creates a unique programme of activities designed to give you an insider’s view of investment management. Previous Spring Days have included:
During your Spring Days, you’ll also have the exciting opportunity to deliver your group stock pitch presentation, putting all your hard work and preparation throughout the programme into practice.
- Firm overviews
- Insights into day-to-day operations
- Work shadowing with investment teams
- CV tips
- Interview skills
- Internship application advice
- Speed networking sessions
- Networking lunch
During your Spring Days, you’ll also have the exciting opportunity to deliver your group stock pitch presentation, putting all your hard work and preparation throughout the programme into practice.
What skills will I develop?
The GIIP is designed to support your learning and improve your knowledge of the investment management industry, but you will also develop some key skills along the way that will support you in your future career! These will include:
- Analytical and research skills
- Confidence in financial modelling and valuation
- Teamwork and leadership skills
- Communication and presentation skills
Will this help me in my career?
Absolutely! The GIIP is designed to enhance your knowledge and develop essential skills that will benefit your future career. It will also strengthen your CV and provide real-world experiences you can reference in applications and future interviews.
Can I share that I'm taking part on social media?
Yes, please do share that you are involved on social media and LinkedIn. We would love to see your posts so make sure to tag GAIN UK (@gainuk_org).
Who do I contact if I have questions during the programme?
If you have any questions, please do get in touch with the Universities & Career Pathways Team and we’ll be happy to provide support. Please email us at programmes@gainuk.org.
Is there any financial support?
Your host investment firm will support your travel costs so you can attend both in-person Spring Days during Easter 2026 with minimal financial worry.
- Travel Support: If you’re traveling from outside London Zones 1–2 or more than 5 miles from the Edinburgh office, you’ll receive £60 per day to help cover travel from home or university.
- Overnight Stay: For trips over 50 miles, the firm can contribute up to £150 for one night’s accommodation. (Glasgow–Edinburgh travel is eligible for travel reimbursement only.)
- Food & Refreshments: Lunch and drinks are provided on both Spring Days, so you can focus on the experience without worrying about meals.
If these contributions don’t fully cover your costs, you might qualify for the GAIN bursary! Click here to check your eligibility.