Is this really how internships work?
I'm currently doing a PWM internship at a firm in my country and for the record, I'm in my last year of high shool and will start university this August, my ultimate goal is to break into IBD. I started Monday, and since then I've been given loads of work, having to research companies, write profiles, find, analyze and spread financials that I know nothing about (don't have much knowledge in finance, STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL). In addition to giving me loads of work, they gave me their extension number and told me that 'today is a busy day', so only call if it's an emergency. They say this everyday.I didn't call them nor did I complain, I used the internet to find out all the stuff I didn't know and did the assignments. I received sparkling remarks on the work I did.
However, it looks as if this was the wrong thing to do. This gave them the impression that I 'knew what I was doing' so to speak, and so they increased my workload, and in addition to that, they gave me harder things to do. I now have an assignment to do that I don't even know where to start.Is there really that little guidance given to interns?
Don't sweat it, you'll find you understand your work much better when you have to figure it out on your own as opposed to having an explanation handed to you. It might take a bit longer but you'll learn plenty and it sounds like your work has been good so far. Doesn't sound like you have anything to be worried about.
Jesus, my PWM internship consisted of binding pitch books and updating client databases. Be happy that they are giving you meaningful work, I guarantee you, the alternative is much worse.
Some internships are like that and some aren't. It all depends on who you're working for and where. It's better to have one where you're actually doing difficult/meaningful work and can add some real experience to your resume. Also, if you really don't understand something, then ask. Your boss should understand you don't have any experience. I'm sure your boss would much rather you ask a question then make a mistake. Good luck.
Sounds like a great internship! Challenging and meaningful. You could be cold calling. Keep track of the tasks and skills you build to show experience when looking for future internships/jobs.
This is a blessing in disguise
Take your time in understanding what you do first and don't worry about the time as much. They should understand you're a high school kid.
As everyone else has mentioned, this is what you want out of an internship. You'll actually understand what you are doing by the end of it. Sure, things may seem challenging now, but just keep working at it. Do not worry about how fast you are doing things. You'll notice by the end that you can do something in 1 hour that might have taken you 4 hours at the beginning of the internship.
Thanks for all the replies. To anyone still reading this thread. Is it safe to put this on my resume, saying that I was a 'Summer Analyst'?
If you're an Intern you're a Summer Analyst.
Okay thanks. Also, I'm taking your advice and recording the tasks I do as I go along. Thanks for that as well.
False. Generally Summer Analyst is a term reserved for a specific program. I'd be careful about putting it on your resume unless you applied for a "Summer Analyst" position.
It varies by firm, and you may very well be doing the same work as an SA. Here's an overview of JPM's SA opportunities: http://careers.jpmorgan.com/student/jpmorgan/careers/us/programs/summer…
In that case how much can it hurt for me to put SA on a resume?
No idea. A hiring firm might not care or they might take it as a misrepresentation of what you've done. You might just want to ask someone in HR...
Absolutely fine. Don't listen to the other people who told you it's different.
Any summer intern = summer analyst.
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