Corporate Finance Internship Questions

I am currently a junior in college majoring in Finance and Economics at a very small non-target school. Because of the size and lack of name recognition of my school, I have my work cut out for me when it comes to networking and trying to land an internship next summer. I am interested in Corp. Fin. because of the work-life balance. I would love to make the money that IB offers, but the consistent 80 hour weeks don't really fit with my desire to go out and do things and maintain relationships. Don't get me wrong, I'm more than willing to consistently work 60 hours or even 80 during peak seasons, but a consistent 80 is too much.
These are my questions:
In looking for a Corp. Fin. internship, would it hurt to take an internship for a company in a sector I don't want to spend my career in? For instance, if I would like to have a career in Aerospace Finance, would it hurt me to have my college internship in Retail Finance? Or should just take whatever internship has the best name recognition, regardless of the sector?
Secondly, my uncle hooked me up with a phone introduction with a CFO of a F1000 company. Provided the call goes well, how would I tactfully yet effectively ask for an internship/referral at his company?
Thanks so much guys. I appreciate your help!

2 Comments
 
Best Response

Take whatever internship has the best name recognition, regardless of sector. The work is generally the same throughout all sectors. Although it wouldn't hurt to try to gun for aerospace finance.

As for your networking, don't ask until you can feel the situation. The way I usually do it is by having a good conversation and just asking him how to break in blah blah. Provided the conversation goes well (unless you are a douche, its hard to mess it up), he will connect you with the people on his own.

 

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