“My mentoring session with Andre was extremely valuable and gave me the clarity and direction I needed at an important stage of my application journey. He was kind, approachable, and generous with his time, creating an atmosphere in which I felt comfortable sharing my experiences, asking questions, and discussing my doubts openly.
One of the most helpful aspects of our conversation was his guidance on how to organize and communicate my personal story. Andre helped me understand how to connect different experiences into a coherent narrative, identify the elements that matter most, and explain their significance more clearly. His perspective was fundamental in helping me see how to present my background with greater confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
I particularly appreciated his advice on what to avoid. He helped me recognize that including every detail does not necessarily make a story stronger, and that being selective can make a message much more effective. Our discussion gave me a clearer understanding of how to avoid unnecessary repetition, keep my narrative focused, and ensure that each part contributes something meaningful to the overall application.
Andre also provided valuable guidance on how to organize the application process itself. He helped me think more clearly about priorities, how to approach the different components, and how to make the work feel more manageable. Having a clearer structure has made a difference to my mindset: instead of seeing the applications as one overwhelming task, I now feel better equipped to approach them through specific, achievable steps.
Another important takeaway was his advice on how to use the coming days effectively. Our conversation helped me understand where to focus my energy, which tasks deserve immediate attention, and how to establish a realistic plan. I left the session with a stronger sense of direction and a better understanding of how to balance thoughtful preparation with consistent progress.
What made the experience positive was the combination of practical guidance and encouragement. Andre offered suggestions in a considerate and constructive way, helping me reflect on my choices while also making me feel supported. His kindness made it easier to engage honestly with the process and to see areas for improvement as opportunities to strengthen my applications.
Overall, this session was fundamental in helping me understand both what I want to communicate and how to move forward. I now have a clearer approach to telling my story, organizing my applications, avoiding common mistakes, and planning the next few days with intention.
I am very grateful for Andre’s support and for the care he brought to our conversation. His advice gave me useful tools, renewed confidence, and a more focused approach to the work ahead. I would highly recommend a session with him to anyone seeking thoughtful guidance, practical direction, and a supportive space to develop their application narrative. The session helped me turn uncertainty into a clearer plan, and I feel much more prepared to make the most of the time ahead and present my experiences in a meaningful and convincing way.”
I’d take GS. Those are all good groups and probably wouldn’t hold you back during FT recruiting.
MS doesn't do group placement until next spring and you shouldn't take them over GS anyway so I'd say that's off the table. GS HC/IND/FIG are all excellent but doing FIG might pigeonhole you a bit if you're re-recruiting for FT PE (yes I know GS FIG is one of their best groups and exits everywhere but HC and IND are also top notch will offer you a more "traditional" coverage experience). Centerview M&A is excellent. every MF will give you a look and two summer analysts from their last intern class got MFPE FT offers. Moelis is very good but not worth taking over any of the other jobs. IMO the order should be:
GS HC / GS IND, CVP, GS FIG, MS, Moelis (this is not a prestige ranking! just optimizing for FT buyside recruiting)
good luck!
thank you! this is super comprehensive. should the culture of the group be a factor at all? for example, GS IND is known to be particularly intense etc. and am worried being in a sweaty group might make it hard to network or interview during the summer.
yes - it definitely should be a factor. however, you should think about culture from a "is this the type of group I would enjoy working at full-time" perspective and not from a "will I be able to network/interview for other jobs while being an intern in this group" perspective. While recruiting while being an intern is challenging and tough to navigate, it is certainly doable even if you're in a very demanding group. also, there is a very good chance you end up returning for full-time so be mindful that this decision has "consequences" beyond just a summer internship / stepping stone to FT PE.
makes sense! i realize industrials and healthcare are the most traditional but heard they have the worst culture of all the options listed. will definitely take into consideration
del
Nulla assumenda voluptatum similique libero. Voluptatem hic tempora aspernatur cum modi perferendis laborum. Repellat tempore aut saepe nostrum.
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...