Hi folks,
Given London 2025 recruiting was quite tough this year, I wasn't able to land a summer internship in IB.
However, I did manage to get a corporate banking summer internship at one of GS/MS/JPM
Is it common for summer interns in less desirable groups to be invited to interview for IB roles for the following summer? I am a penultimate year student so I am eligible for 2026 summers.
Thanks in advance
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, transitioning from a Corporate Banking (CB) summer internship to an Investment Banking (IB) role is possible, but it requires strategic effort. Here are some key points to consider:
Networking is Critical: Start building relationships with IB professionals at your firm. Attend networking events, reach out to alumni, and connect with colleagues in IB. Having internal advocates can significantly increase your chances of being considered for IB roles.
Express Interest Early: Make your interest in IB known to your mentors or managers during your CB internship. Many firms allow internal mobility, and expressing your goals early can help you get on their radar.
Leverage Your Internship: Perform exceptionally well in your CB internship. A strong performance can make it easier to transition, as it demonstrates your work ethic and ability to excel in a high-pressure environment.
Skill Alignment: Highlight transferable skills from CB to IB, such as financial modeling, client interaction, and credit analysis. If possible, seek out projects during your CB internship that align more closely with IB work.
Recruiting for 2026: Since you're eligible for 2026 summers, keep an eye on IB recruiting timelines and apply externally as well. Some firms may allow you to interview for IB roles while you're still interning in CB.
Case Studies from WSO: There are examples of individuals who successfully transitioned from CB to IB by networking internally and showcasing their skills. Use these success stories as motivation and guidance.
If you're proactive and strategic, transitioning from CB to IB is achievable. Good luck!
Sources: J.P. Morgan - Video Interview Invitation Corporate & Investment Banking Summer Analyst, What do sophomores usually do for internships?, London IB Summer Internship Discussion 2018, Q&A - 1st year Corporate Banking Analyst, What offers would you take over a BB S&T?
You did your summer at JPM. Why not just say that?
If you wanted to be discreet, you should have said JPM/Citi/BofA
Bro what
GS and MS don't do corporate banking so it's completely a moot point to say "I did my internship at one of MS/GS/JPM"
Oh right lmao
From what I heard from my colleagues in a similar position - it is challenging but can be doable.
Might not be possible to do it internally so you may still have to apply and do the standard summer / off cycle -> grad scheme.
If you have connections within the firm for the division you want to break into, I suggest you start conversing with them to see if this is a possibility (I've heard in banks like Citi it's strongly looked down upon to transition like this).
If you don't have connections, I suggest you start networking within your bank. Else, just apply again as mentioned above.
Also, keep in mind, some banks don't hire final years as summers (I assume you're going into final year next year with no plans for masters).
So maybe for these banks try applying for off cycles - I am sure you will get some good luck given the current brand on your CV.
Good luck!
Very helpful, thanks!
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