Asking about internships in informational interviews.
I have info calls set up with several VPs at small boutiques in my area. How should I go about asking about summer internships? Also, do I bring up the fact that I am willing to work unpaid? I value the connection and the opportunity to learn from them and do not want to come off as needy or that I simply want something from them. I realize this question has been asked a lot, however I am wondering if my strategy should change since it is April and I am rather desperate. Or should I just take the routine route of asking if there is anyone else they recommend I talk to, if they have any other advice for me? Also, I am junior at a non-target.
I was talking to an MD from Citi the other day about interning in his IPO's team, and he said I don't think it's paid. I said that dosen't matter, I just to learn and gain experience. He then proceeded to say, that's smart.
So I guess that they like to hear that you aren't just interning to make money, but that you really care about what you will be doing and that you want to learn as much as you can during the time that you intern.
I'm more interested in the work experience than getting paid as well. It would be nice to get paid, but its not the end of the world if I don't. Learning and getting relevant experience is most important right now. Do you have any thoughts on whether or not I should directly ask about internships or should I take an indirect approach?
Depends. You kinda have to get good at reading people and feeling out situations. I asked him directly because I knew that I would not see him again for a while, and also that fact that he is a nice guy, so I knew he would not be one of those people who thinks you are just trying to get an internships out of him, even though that is really what you are trying to do lol.
Unpaid BB capital markets internship? weird
Right? It is, but as long as it's legit, who cares whether I get paid or not.
also are you a sophomore or a junior?
I am a junior, but will probably graduate in December unless something changes.
ok I am a sophomore, I guess that's why I am not as stressed as you about it lol. Just keep networking like hell and you will get the job you want eventually.
Coming from experience here, the fact that you are meeting with 7 VP's from that boutique means that they are interested in getting to know you and see if there's a good connection for an opportunity moving forward.
I would approach this by just having the meetings, knowing your story and just asking a ton of questions about the bank and their experiences. From there just keep them talking and towards the end of the meeting mention that you are seeking an internship opportunity and that if they know if the firm is hiring that you would love to be in the process. The whole point of this from their point of view is to see that your story for banking makes sense, you can carry a conversation, and show genuine interest in what they do. Also, don't mention anything about being unpaid unless they mention that they are not hiring. That should only be as a last resort.
Hope that helps!
adsf it will lead to positive results!
Unpaid Summer Internship: Should I ask for an internship directly or arrange an info interview first? (Originally Posted: 05/07/2015)
Hello fellow monkeys,
I am trying to secure an unpaid internship at BBs/IBs over the summer. Should I just cold email them directly asking for an internship or should I go the informational interview route? I don't think I have time to arrange an informational interview and then ask for an internship as it is already May.
Thank you.
informational interview. Someone who is starting on the job consumes more capacity then they add and aren't valuable until after about their first year on the job. So even on an unpaid internship, you aren't really doing anyone any favours.
Have seen your other posts. I think you would benefit from finding a classmate / mentor at your school who has recently summered to give you more personal advice.
Don't want to be a dick, but it's probably not gonna happen for you this summer. Internships start in less than a month-- forget BBs (don't waste your time). Swing for the fences reaching out to boutiques, although even that is extremely unlikely unless you live in NYC.
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