Freshmen Internships
Hey, I'm a semi-target (T20 private) first year student non-dei. I'm from the Southwest region
I had a couple internship offers for this summer, that I got from family connections and cold-email networking.
I wanted advice to help me choose
2- Boutique IB firm in a close by city
3- VC Venture Fund in a close by city
My goal is to do IB, and although I know freshmen internships typically don't matter all that much, which one would set me up the best resume-wise for IB?
For a freshman aiming for Investment Banking (IB), here's how the options stack up based on the most helpful WSO content:
Boutique IB Firm: This is the best choice for your goal. Even though it's a boutique, the hands-on IB experience will resonate most with recruiters when you apply for sophomore and junior internships. It shows direct exposure to deal-making, financial modeling, and transaction processes, which are highly relevant to IB.
BB PWM (Private Wealth Management): While working at a bulge bracket (BB) firm like JPMorgan or Morgan Stanley adds prestige, PWM experience is generally less impactful for IB recruiting. It’s more client-focused and less transaction-oriented, which doesn’t align as closely with IB skillsets. However, it can still be a decent option if the boutique IB role lacks substantial deal exposure.
VC Venture Fund: While VC is exciting and can demonstrate analytical skills, it’s less relevant to IB. Venture capital focuses more on early-stage investing and startups, which doesn’t directly translate to the skills IB recruiters prioritize. It’s a good option if you’re considering pivoting to VC or tech-focused roles later, but not ideal for IB.
Recommendation:
Go with the Boutique IB Firm. It aligns most closely with your IB aspirations and will help you build a stronger narrative for sophomore and junior IB recruiting. If the boutique experience is limited or lacks substance, the BB PWM would be a solid backup.
Sources: Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking, A Guide for Switching From Commercial Banking to Investment Banking, freshman UBS PWM Internship, Intro to Investment Banking, Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking
Dolorem voluptas sed adipisci quia nihil omnis. A rerum ipsam et a dolores molestiae officiis. Cupiditate perspiciatis dolorum est eos rerum. Iusto animi ea animi amet dolorem. Officiis alias praesentium minus dicta. Itaque modi blanditiis illum consequuntur omnis voluptatem nisi. Et asperiores explicabo enim tempora ex velit voluptates.
Ut beatae ut placeat eum. Sunt dolores asperiores explicabo eligendi vitae quis esse. Neque quidem cupiditate repellat adipisci.
Voluptatem aut corporis vel aliquid sunt possimus possimus. Ut quo quis rem sed. Doloribus est voluptas architecto doloremque consequatur expedita.
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...