“My mentoring session with Andre was extremely valuable and gave me the clarity and direction I needed at an important stage of my application journey. He was kind, approachable, and generous with his time, creating an atmosphere in which I felt comfortable sharing my experiences, asking questions, and discussing my doubts openly.
One of the most helpful aspects of our conversation was his guidance on how to organize and communicate my personal story. Andre helped me understand how to connect different experiences into a coherent narrative, identify the elements that matter most, and explain their significance more clearly. His perspective was fundamental in helping me see how to present my background with greater confidence, purpose, and authenticity.
I particularly appreciated his advice on what to avoid. He helped me recognize that including every detail does not necessarily make a story stronger, and that being selective can make a message much more effective. Our discussion gave me a clearer understanding of how to avoid unnecessary repetition, keep my narrative focused, and ensure that each part contributes something meaningful to the overall application.
Andre also provided valuable guidance on how to organize the application process itself. He helped me think more clearly about priorities, how to approach the different components, and how to make the work feel more manageable. Having a clearer structure has made a difference to my mindset: instead of seeing the applications as one overwhelming task, I now feel better equipped to approach them through specific, achievable steps.
Another important takeaway was his advice on how to use the coming days effectively. Our conversation helped me understand where to focus my energy, which tasks deserve immediate attention, and how to establish a realistic plan. I left the session with a stronger sense of direction and a better understanding of how to balance thoughtful preparation with consistent progress.
What made the experience positive was the combination of practical guidance and encouragement. Andre offered suggestions in a considerate and constructive way, helping me reflect on my choices while also making me feel supported. His kindness made it easier to engage honestly with the process and to see areas for improvement as opportunities to strengthen my applications.
Overall, this session was fundamental in helping me understand both what I want to communicate and how to move forward. I now have a clearer approach to telling my story, organizing my applications, avoiding common mistakes, and planning the next few days with intention.
I am very grateful for Andre’s support and for the care he brought to our conversation. His advice gave me useful tools, renewed confidence, and a more focused approach to the work ahead. I would highly recommend a session with him to anyone seeking thoughtful guidance, practical direction, and a supportive space to develop their application narrative. The session helped me turn uncertainty into a clearer plan, and I feel much more prepared to make the most of the time ahead and present my experiences in a meaningful and convincing way.”
Come back in a year
I don’t have connections for my first internship in college so I am worried and am trying to get ahead
Please enjoy your summer prior to college and focus on reaching out to firms this Fall for next summer.
I want to but also I want an internship my freshman year to help pay my parents back and I was told this would make it much easier to get one
Most likely interns up to their junior, maybe sophomore, year are unpaid as you aren’t even close to justifying your contributions to the team or firm. You most likely cost them even more since they’re taking the time to teach you stuff(hopefully).
Not saying it’s impossible but for example some WM firms barely pay college educated students $18 an hour their junior year so odds are they wouldn’t pay a high school student.
edit: I was like you wanting to get ahead, but enjoy your summers while you can and when the time comes throw everything you have at joining finance clubs and getting one of those new bb/en sophomore summer internships
i cannot imagine myself cold emailing firms when I was a senior in hs lmao
I would honestly say chill out and enjoy your last semester/summer as a high schooler (it will be a lot easier to intern part-time even as a college freshman bc there will be firms actively looking for interns + not sure if it will matter that much for recruiting down the road even for freshmen summer internship), but if you really want it, I would say just continue focusing on really small regional firms and ask for an unpaid position if you are that desperate.
but again, enjoy your summer. you wont regret not doing an internship during hs, but you will def regret not enjoying your last "real" time with your hs friends.
TBH I think aim for corporate finance. Local/small businesses (not like coffee shops but think small regional brands).
They tend to be run by down to earth founders who like kids who take initiative. I got an internship in the finance department of one in your exact position and it was great experience getting my hands dirty w a company’s financials.
These places are the ones where you can actually contribute and take on real responsibility, which is a great chance to learn. I think that learning will serve you well chasing more legit internships, and can't imagine you'll be making big bucks this summer either way (they will probably pay you but not ducera numbers)
I’m ok with being paid minimum wage just want some experience because I was lucky enough to never have to work in high school
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