Incoming summer analyst here. How difficult is it realistically to secure a return offer? I haven’t done much prep since recruiting over a year ago and feel that I’ve forgotten a lot, so I’m worried I might be behind. Should I be studying intensively now, or will I pick up most of what I need on the job to perform well and stand out as a strong intern?
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Expect ~40-60% for Generalist M&A, slightly higher for PCA/RX majors for '26 interns. If non-nepo or client kid, might be a 1 in 3 shot.
Thx. Curious where you get these estimates as past years were obv much higher?
Incoming Lazard IB Analyst. Returns were around 2/3 for his class.
Feel like the above comment is a bit of a doomsday scare tactic. Most firms will comfortably be above 60% return offer rates. No need to worry about being behind bc most of the stuff you’ll be asked to do could be done by your History major friend who hasn’t touched a financial statement in their entire life; just focus on being an enjoyable presence in the office and not doing anything stupid
could be confusing with another EB but pretty sure it was 80-90%
The good news: you don’t need to be a technical god as a summer. The bar is way more about:
Yes, you should refresh the basics now (accounting, 3 statements, basic DCF/LBO, Excel shortcuts) so you’re not completely rusty on day 1. But you don’t need to go full recruiting mode again. Most of the actual work you’ll learn on the job.
Biggest mistakes that kill return offers: being invisible, bad attitude, or making the same dumb mistake multiple times.
Just show up early, stay late if needed, ask smart questions, and be someone people want to work with. That matters way more than knowing every multiple right now.
You’ll be fine if you’re not a weirdo. Relax a bit but don’t show up completely cold.
Online says 80-90
Older sibling interned as generalist, can corroborate that return offers were around 90% for generalists in NYC.
what are laz intern hours like for generalist m&a? incoming there as well, would appreciate any insight!
Bump - any insight on groups/culture would be helpful as well
PM. Happy to chat
90%+. It's your offer to lose
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