Final Tips and Reminders for Interns

This website has helped me a ton over the years, so wanted to offer some tips and reminders for interns starting this week.

1. Ask as many questions early on in the summer as possible.

The bar is extremely low for interns in terms of knowledge. There are plenty of things you will be taught during training that you already learned during the recruiting process. They teach from ground up. That being said, if you're rusty on a concept, can't figure something out that you feel you should know, or anything of the sorts, save yourself the time and stress and simply ask an analyst. You'll probably have a mentor assigned to you, just ASK. If you did not find your answer quickly on the internet, and your fellow interns don't know exactly, don't waste time. They will not care how stupid the question might be, especially out the gates. With all the new things you'll have thrown at you, it's completely reasonable to blank on some of it, even the simplest things. Get the questions in early, and you’ll be able to demonstrate you learn quickly and understand material by the end of the 10 weeks. 

2. Don't stress on your appearance.

I remember being stressed and anxious about being judged for what I wear from the belt, to the shoes, to the type of suit, etc. It was so stupid in hindsight. No one gives a shit whether you're wearing a suit off the rack or if you spent 10k on a custom suit from Italy... if it's tailored and fits well, PERFECT! 

3. You're going to make mistakes.

Pretty cliche reminder, but can't hear it enough. You're going to butcher things that seem like no-brainers. You'll probably have a typo in an email. You'll probably miss a comment when working through them. Obviously, yes, proof-read, and try your best to make sure your work doesn't have mistakes. But when it does happen, don't have a stroke. 

4. Be a resource, not a pest.

These things also may seem like common sense for most, but here is a reminder to not try to do too much. You don't need to stay in the office unnecessarily late if an analyst (you're not working with) is getting grilled. Check in with them and whoever else is left behind at a reasonable time (most analysts in the group have left) and offer your help - they're almost always going to say you're good to go. On the flip side, never hurts to get into the office early. On days that are quiet, feel free to ping a few analysts and let them know you have capacity, but don't be constantly begging them for work. Nothing wrong with spending a few hours flipping through decks in the drive to learn on your own, or enjoy the downtime, because you never know when the day is going to speed up on you. 

5. Take good notes.

Take as many notes as you can. It will help a lot to look back through them especially when you need additional help. Multiple times where I was staffed on a new deal and would need help with a task but when I'd ask my mentor he'd have follow up questions that my notes would have the answers to. Majority of your notes will go to waste, but always better to be safe than sorry. 

6. Keep a good attitude.

Always keep a smile on your face and head up, even when you're drowning in work. Always stay composed. 

7. Enjoy the city.

Be sociable with the team when given the opportunity. Go out on the weekends. Enjoy the overpaid intern life. Only got 10 weeks - don't waste them.

Feel free to add anything else in comments - good luck all.