Is an in-person IB Fall Internship worth it for SA 26?

Hey all, I have the opportunity to work at a LMM IB firm in a Tier 2/ Tier 3 city where my semitarget college is. I'm gunning for a top IB firm and then MF PE ideally. They've done a few public transactions in the $100mm+ range and I'd get pretty tangible experience working on $5-50mm deals, CIMS, slide decks, etc.

The internship expects 20+ hours a week in-person, and the commute would end up being around 1 hour total unless I uber back and forth.

What is everyone's perspective as far as how impactful this experience would be relative to the time I could be spending networking/ learning technicals/ homework/ being a kid in college? I have done two LMM PE internships already so definitely not missing finance experience, but I also don't have a great story/ explanation for "Why IB/ Why not PE?" in my interviews. 

Appreciate any perspectives offered – thanks! 

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key points to consider regarding your situation:

  1. Networking Importance:

    • Networking is crucial in the long run. It's not just about grades; having someone who can vouch for you can significantly boost your chances of getting your resume noticed. (Source: Two Internships Later: What I wish I Knew While Recruiting! (Toronto))
  2. Experience Value:

    • Tangible experience working on deals, CIMS, and slide decks can be very beneficial. It shows practical knowledge and hands-on experience, which is valuable for future roles in top IB firms and MF PE. (Source: 4 Big Picture Things I Should've Known Before My IB Internship (COVID-19 Edition))
  3. Balancing Commitments:

    • Consider the time commitment of 20+ hours a week and the commute. Weigh this against the time you could spend on networking, learning technicals, and other college activities. (Source: How the hell are return offer candidates going to be assessed this summer?)
  4. Previous Experience:

    • Since you already have two LMM PE internships, you have a solid finance background. However, having a clear story for "Why IB/ Why not PE?" is essential for interviews. (Source: Two Internships Later: What I wish I Knew While Recruiting! (Toronto))
  5. In-Person vs. Remote:

    • In-person internships can offer better opportunities for building relationships and networking compared to remote ones. However, the commute and time commitment are significant factors to consider. (Source: Thoughts now that we’re getting close to end of internships?)

In summary, while the in-person IB Fall Internship offers valuable experience, you need to balance it with your other commitments and ensure you have a strong narrative for your career choices. Networking and technical skills are also crucial for your future goals.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/4-big-picture-things-i-shouldve-known-before-my-ib-internship-covid-19?customgpt=1, Thoughts now that we’re getting close to end of internships?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/thoughts-now-that-were-getting-close-to-end-of-internships?customgpt=1, Two Internships Later: What I wish I Knew While Recruiting! (Toronto), 7 Tips for the Boutique IB Summer Stint

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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