How should I prepare to be a good intern?
Hi All,
I just finished recruiting and was very lucky to accept an offer as an IBD summer analyst with GS/MS/JPM. I studied for my interviews like they were the most important final I'd ever taken. However, now that I'm done, I've realized that I don't actually know...anything...that will be relevant to my ability to succeed as an intern. I go to a liberal arts target with no real finance courses I can take, and have an interesting- but irrelevant- background. Most of the kids that go into IBD at my university join either the investment club or the investment banking club on campus and learn fundamentals that way, but I was unfortunately rejected from both a few days ago. I know there are always a lot of jokes and stories about kids who did stupid things or fucked up big time during #internszn, and if possible, I would like to avoid being one of those kids. Aside from the fact that I want a return offer, I do also want to attempt to add value to whatever team I'm on, instead of being a huge burden.
I don't want the focus of my academic year to be prepping for my internship, but in terms of hard skills, what should I spend some time learning and solidifying this year? What resources/books are worth the time, and what should I skip? What are some examples of interns you've had who performed well, and what set those kids apart?
I know this seems eager and sorta try-hard given that summer 2020 is months away, but I'd rather do a little bit at a time than procrastinate until May. Thanks all.
Be like reek
Excel shortcuts, PowerPoint shortcuts (specifically aligning functions)
Honestly that’s good enough imo
Know how to use excel, powerpoint, get into the habit of printing your work and checking it for mistakes, make sure you follow correctly what you are told to do, use highlighter when implementing mark-ups and know when to show a bit of personality
.
Network with people from the firm regularly
Do an excel modelling course that teaches you good excel skills
Make sure you’re confident with your financial accounting
2 is not necessary at all
Read everything there is to know about the firm/your team
Read the Rosenbaum and Pearl book to build upon the technical questions you likely memorized during recruiting
Know basic shortcuts in powerpoint and excel, but do not go overboard
https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/i-just-went-3-days-without-sleep…
Be like this guy
Make friends with the hottest cheerleaders / sorority girls in your school and get them to join the associates / analysts during round 2 of company drinks - guaranteed offer
This is not a joke.
Never make the same mistake twice
No one will expect you to know anything. Ask questions, keep your superior informed on what you’re working on. Stay organized with your work and within the deal folders. Don’t put your nose up to bitch tasks (getting coffee, etc.), it’s a right of passage. And have a good attitude. This is the basic template you need to follow to get an offer
Finished an internship in IB at a BB this past summer and got the return offer.
Off the top of my head here are a few things to help you out:
- Being very familiar with excel and powerpoint goes a long way
- Learn how to take notes quickly, efficiently, and in an organized manner
- Build attention to detail. This is perhaps the absolute most important thing
- Recheck your work numerous times before turning it in. This is the second most important thing. This is how you build attention to detail and catch mistakes and areas of improvement
- Have a good attitude and be intellectually curious. Do not visibly be displeased about anything and be genuinely interested in what you are working on and ask questions
I actually printed this post out and pinned it to my cube as its advice is super rock solid: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/eight-habits-of-top-bucket-ibd-s…
Be willing to learn Show them that you have learned the things they have taught you. Go to the social events, especially if it is a team specific event (for example drinks on a Friday) Be there bitch and do whatever they say cause the last thing you want is in a meeting them saying "He said he/she won't do it."
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