Does the size of a boutique matter for an internship?

For IB internships before SA recruiting in the summer after sophomore year does the size of a boutique IB matter in terms of one shop having 5-10 people with another having 20-30 for example? I would imagine that the best place to choose is one where you learn the most but does the size⁠—and prestige of the MDs⁠—matter in terms of where you intern?

12 Comments
 

The situation depends on a variety of factors. Honestly, I wouldn't be too worried about it. Yes, there is a prestige factor at bigger BB but going to one with a smaller personal inner circle won't hurt you. As long as you have experience and know what you are doing, you can definitely transfer to a bigger boutique bank or bulge-bracket. Just keep in mind that there will be competition, make sure to network and get recommendations to better yourself and your chances of an offer.

"It's okay, I'll see you on the other side"
 

Are you 100% set to do an internship after sophomore year? It's not a big deal if you do an internship during sophomore year but yes, some higher ups will consider a better boutique bank better but it isn't a total game changer. Usually, people do a SA position during junior year. Is there a reason why so early? It would give you more time to improve your G.P.A if necessary and to expand your network.

"It's okay, I'll see you on the other side"
 

Maxime facilis et ut possimus dolorem molestiae blanditiis. Ad iste qui repudiandae molestiae veniam culpa doloremque. Laudantium dignissimos nam velit aut dolorem voluptas quia.

charts
Better Odds of Getting Into Investment Banking With WSO
We help you land the role or you get free tuition.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan No 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”