Advice Wanted: Large HF Internship from No-Name School
I go to a no-name school—as in a school that no one else has ever or will ever get into finance from—and I recently accepted a 2025 summer internship from a large hedge fund. I'm pretty sure that everyone else there is coming from an Ivy League or Ivy+ background, and I think that I'm out of my depth, at least with regards to some of the basics/norms. What are the things that might be implicit in my peers that I just wouldn't know? Assumed expectations? I am far from acquainted with the general atmosphere of such places.
I also would like to be as social as I can. What do people typically do in NYC in the small amount of time that isn't for work? What are people typically like in this regard? (I am not very social, so I know literally nothing.)
I really don't know much, and I would feel awful about missing out on the basics both during my time at work and my time not at work. Thanks if you have anything to share!
I assume you are talking about the social aspect / non-technical stuff here. You got the internship so I would think that nobody else is going to care whether you went to a non target vs others went to a target. Is there anybody during the interview process that you really clicked well with? You can have them be your mentor and guide you through some of the non work stuff / how to act and appear well polished etc.
During work, just be resourceful, don't be afraid to ask questions but don't bombard someone with stuff you can easily lookup online as well, do good work and be the first to show up and last to leave (not literally, but make a good impression with your work ethic). A lot of it will also just be grabbing coffee with other analysts/PMs at the firm and making it a coffee chat to learn more, show your face around, ask good questions, etc. No other secret to it really. Don't be too uptight either though, be someone they would like to work with as a person so gauge what kind of personality they like.
For time with other interns, I don't think it should be any different than just trying to make friends really. So just be yourself with the other interns, but obviously don't be the guy who blacks out at every single drinking event, makes weird jokes, etc. Think of it as your college orientation - nobody knows anyone so it'll be awkward but break the ice and make conversation. There might be events for interns which will help, or I'm sure a group of the interns might plan something separately for everyone to join.
I was in your shoes a long time ago. I want to be helpful but am very busy at the moment so I will leave some quick thoughts and try to come back to this. For now, I'll paste in an old comment of mine at the bottom of this response about making a good impression during internship - this was for someone asking about IB so not every part is 100% applicable, but you should get the gist. A few other quick notes:
1. Confidence: You seem a bit intimidated by school experience / personal background. Remember the firm gave you this opportunity for a reason - you likely stood out in a meaningful way in some regard to get the offer over others with more traditional backgrounds. You are not outmatched, there is no special sauce at certain schools. Continue to work as hard and smart as you must have to get to this position and it will show through.
2. Norms: Above poster did a good job here. Prepared to work hard, be kind, try to find a mentor (interviewer you connected really well with is a good start - could reach out to express excitement at offer and desire to hit the ground running during internship - any advice on prep for the summer). Dress code on day 1 is likely a well fitted suit jacket / dress shirt / pants. Dress socks color match pant color; belt matches shoes. Can feel out what everyone else does in your particular office after day 1. If no jacket, keep a jacket at the office in case you get pulled into a meeting.
3. Overall internship advice from old post "On top of what everyone else has said, the most important thing is to do good work. Don't be afraid to ask questions but try to figure things out on your own and using the Internet first. Don't keep going back to an analyst with questions one at a time as that is annoying. Get a list of a few and then ask politely if they have time to answer a couple questions. Don't feel bad if they say no, they are likely just too busy, so try to ask people who don't look too busy. Print out your work to check for errors, you catch way more on paper than on the screen. When doing a turn with comments, highlight each comment in a light color as you make the change. Make sure all comments are highlighted, and then double check each one and highlight them again in a darker color after they have been double checked.
On your first day, get your computer linked up to multiple printers. 3 color and 3 black and white. Make sure each works. Learn how to send event invites and set up calls. Use another intern you became friendly with as a test. Become friends with other interns, they will be going through similar experiences as you and it's good to have them available and it's good to help others too, people will notice.
leave a traceable trail on the work you do. If someone asks for 10 data points. In your file you should have all 10 and links to where you got it from, which will make the ft persons job easier. Show genuine interest in learning from those sitting around you if they are open. If you finish at 11 and the analyst next to you is teaching you about something, ask them questions even if the topic doesn't seem all too important. Let them know you if they want to leave then just interrupt and say so but if they are enjoying teaching you then continue to learn and show interest.
You want to work for as many people as possible so more people vouch for you, but don't take on a workload you cannot handle. Doing great work is more important than doing the most work. On the flip side, it's important to work with a handful of people multiple times so that they will really push for you if you do well. It's even better if these people are well respected in the office. Becoming very close with at least one member on a personal level is also very important, as they may give you this kind of information and tips along the way.
I definitely missed some things as I am just ranting on my phone as things come to my mind right now but if you do all of this you will be in a good spot. And don't be cocky, that's the worst thing you can do. Be friendly, polite, and show respect to every single person at the company"
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