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Based on the most helpful WSO content, it's not uncommon for freshmen to take the summer to focus on self-improvement and skill-building, rather than jumping straight into another internship. Given your background with a search fund internship and an upcoming M&A consulting internship, you've already got some solid experience under your belt. Here's a breakdown of how you might approach your summer:

  1. Studying Technicals: Three months is a substantial amount of time to dedicate to learning technical skills. You can certainly reach an intermediate level if you study consistently. The BIWS (Breaking Into Wall Street) lessons and 400 questions are highly regarded in the WSO community for learning technicals. They cover a wide range of topics, from financial modeling to valuation, and are designed to be practical and hands-on.

  2. Supplement Your Learning: While BIWS is a great resource, you might also want to consider:

    • WSO's own Financial Modeling Courses for additional practice.
    • Reading investment banking books like "Investment Banking: Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers & Acquisitions" by Joshua Rosenbaum and Joshua Pearl.
    • Practicing with Excel to ensure your VBA and spreadsheet skills are sharp.
  3. Networking: Don't forget to network. Even if you're not in a formal internship, staying connected with professionals in the industry can be invaluable. Use this time to reach out to alumni from your school, attend virtual networking events, or even informational interviews.

  4. Balance: It's important to balance your summer between studying and relaxation. Burnout is real, and you want to ensure you're refreshed for the upcoming academic year.

  5. Other Skills: Consider learning other skills that may be beneficial in the long run, such as a new language, programming, or even public speaking.

  6. Stay Active: Physical activity is a great way to keep your energy levels up and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is important for the demanding schedules in finance.

  7. Read Widely: Literature, current events, finance news - keep your mind engaged with a variety of topics.

Remember, while technical skills are important, so are soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership. Use your summer to become a well-rounded candidate. And as always, enjoy your summer and make sure to have some fun!

Sources: What should I do the summer after freshman year?, Freshmen: What to do during your freshman year summer, Junior Year Summer - Will Tech Internship Hurt Me?, 5 Steps To Becoming A Rockstar Freshman (Undergrad Advice), Stay for recruiting or study abroad in junior spring?

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