How to succeed as a 2021 MBA Summer Associate Intern - virtual edition

Hola Monkeys,


I recently got the offical communication from a NYC based BB stating that the MBA Summer Associate program is going to be virtual. There might be an option to come into the office starting late July, however that is still under evaluation. I was wondering if any of you folks have suggestions on how to succeed in a virtual internship - and most importantly secure a return offer. Would appreciate any insides on best practices in terms of "gelling" with the team over zoom and getting a real IBD experience.

 
Most Helpful

Congratulations on your internship offer!

Speaking from experience, I believe that the following are some good tips for your virtual internship:

  • Network with your group starting from the associates. Your goal should be to talk to most of the associates in the group, some VPs, 1-2 Directors and MDs. I would also recommend talking with some analysts as well
  • Have some zoom calls with the other MBA summer associates in your group, after working hours. They will be beneficial not only during your internship but also later on when you return FT
  • When you participate in group-specific training sessions, ask a question here and there. Don't be the guy that is always asking. However, if you ask a question when nobody else is asking, the associates/VPs providing the training will appreciate it
  • Have regular weekly chats with your junior and senior mentors

The rest will depend on the type of internship that you will have and whether you will do actual client work or not. Let me know if you have any questions.

Regardless of what happens, good luck and enjoy this great experience!

 

Honestly, unless you're trying to switch into other groups, don't worry too much about networking virtually. Just try to be as helpful and available as possible for the associates that you're assigned to and you'll be set. If you've made their lives easier for the past 9 weeks, they will 100% vouch for you. 

 

This. Don't be overly aggressive as you would during recruiting. Rather, just try to do what you were told and be available whenever (to associate of course, but also analyst). If you are in one of the better culture banks/groups, that should not be hard at all. 

 

Been through an MBA summer program and overseen a few myself. Your Bible is as follows:

  • Always. Be. Smiling ... that smile should never leave your face - attitude is the most important thing, regardless of what anyone will tell you
  • Be available always, to anyone at any level
  • Remember that you might be an MBA but chances are, you know nothing about this job. Never exhibit a “what I would suggest ...” attitude when dealing with Analysts, this won’t go well. The underlying message here is that you need to humble yourself quite a lot
  • Do 2-3 virtual coffee chats a week with anyone up and down the chain
  • If you have a summer project (most do), get a first draft in early for review and comments, and then get another draft in. It’s never great when you as a FT associate get an interns’ work the night before asking for a turn and it’s riddled with errors or is way off the mark.
  • Don’t expect meaningful work - what MBA promises you vs reality is black and white. Most of what you do is grunt work, be ok with this.

And that’s pretty much it. Do above and you really can’t go wrong at all.

 

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