Two internships - One HF and one IB

Basically, I'm in crisis mode. I've been working at a local boutique investment bank for a month which started in winter. It was supposed to be only for the winter, but I said I could stay longer if they wanted, and they did. Before this, I also interviewed for a hedge fund but hadn't heard back when I took the boutique offer. I recently heard back from the fund and got offered the internship. I was thinking I could do both but I am also weary of the conflict of interest and any potential compliance issues. I want to quit the bank, but things there are going so smoothly, and they are great people and pay as well (the fund pays 30% higher). Some people would give up a lot to get a boutique internship on their resume right before recruiting so I don't want to sound ungrateful. I am interested in the HF because of how big of a learning opportunity this is. My gut is telling me to work at both, but it doesn't sit well with me especially if one finds out about the other. What do I do?

 

Definitely don't do both at the same time if that's what you're suggesting. If sequential, I would weigh the pros and cons of building a meaningful relationship over a period >3 mo (typical internship) at the bank vs. getting exposure to HF land. Personally I've benefit from getting exposure to different things in my career so would nudge you in that direction unless the HF is just a distraction to your ultimate career goal whether that be banking etc.

 

Do not do both.

All things considered this is a good problem to have. And neither decision is going to hurt you long-term.

In my opinion:

If you want to be at this particular investment bank post-graduation, then you should decline the HF offer and stay at the investment bank. If you want anything else, I would take the HF offer. Especially if you want to pursue HF down the line and you’re passionate about it.

 

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