Hi all,
If I were to intern at a bank like Stephens Inc or something of that sort for my Junior year Summer so SA 26’ and re-recruit as a junior whilst going to target school like Michigan, but studying economics though; how bad is this 1-10?
| +171 | Why UBS Is the Worst Place to Start Your IB Career | 32 | 3m |
| +159 | ONLY THESE BANKS OR YOU STRUCK OUT | 39 | 7h |
| +115 | IB Energy Drink Tier List / Ranking | 74 | 6h |
| +65 | Firm Thinks I'm Lying About Offer | 20 | 6h |
| +54 | Indiana University Fraternity Pipelines | 34 | 5h |
| +42 | Rogo AI | 18 | 1h |
| +39 | Stay at Weak Dealflow Team or Lateral? | 12 | 1d |
| +37 | Elite Boutique interview questions | 8 | 1d |
| +33 | Suspended for a Year | 12 | 4h |
| +22 | 1st Half 2026 (1H26) RX IB & RX Co. Rankings | 14 | 2d |
Career Resources
Get instant access to lessons taught by experienced private equity pros and bulge bracket investment bankers including financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, Comps and Excel Modeling.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, interning at a bank like Stephens Inc for your Junior year summer (SA '26) is not necessarily a bad move, especially if you're attending a target school like Michigan and studying economics. Here's how it could be evaluated:
Experience at a Respected Bank: Stephens Inc is a well-regarded middle-market bank. While it may not have the same prestige as a bulge bracket (BB) or elite boutique (EB), it still provides solid experience in investment banking. This can be a strong foundation for re-recruiting.
Re-recruiting Opportunities: Being at a target school like Michigan gives you access to better networking opportunities and on-campus recruiting for BBs and EBs. If you perform well during your internship and leverage your network effectively, you can position yourself for a stronger SA role the following year.
Economics Major: Studying economics at a target school is not a disadvantage. Many successful candidates in IB come from economics backgrounds. Just ensure you maintain a strong GPA (ideally 3.5+), as this is a key screening factor.
Networking and Storytelling: Use your internship at Stephens Inc to build your story. Highlight the skills you gained, the deals you worked on, and how this experience has prepared you for a larger platform. Networking with alumni and professionals in the industry will also be crucial.
On a scale of 1-10, this situation might be around a 6 or 7, depending on how well you execute your re-recruiting strategy. It's not ideal compared to starting at a BB/EB, but it's far from a bad position. Focus on excelling in your current role, networking aggressively, and preparing for interviews to maximize your chances of landing a top-tier offer.
Sources: UMich Undergrad For IB Recruiting, Thoughts on Blackstone adjusting their recruiting process?, Simplified Guide to Breaking in as Non-Target (EASIER THAN YOU THINK), What offers would you take over a BB S&T?, Navigating Recruiting at Target Schools
Aperiam cum dolorem amet non nostrum. Fugiat cumque minus ullam. Autem consectetur aut sapiente consequatur.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...