Life for a solo intern

Being the only summer analyst (SA) in your group’s location can actually work to your advantage if approached strategically. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Leverage the Small Team Dynamic

• Visibility: With only 5-8 people locally, you’ll naturally have more face time with the team. Use this to build strong relationships and demonstrate your value.
• Proactive Engagement: Take the initiative to ask for work, offer help, and show genuine interest in learning. This will make you stand out as a motivated and reliable intern.
• Feedback Loop: With fewer people, feedback will likely be more direct and frequent. Use this to improve quickly and show adaptability.

2. Return Offer Chances

• Smaller Teams, Higher Stakes: In smaller teams, your performance will be more noticeable. This can be a double-edged sword—excel, and you’ll shine; underperform, and it’s harder to hide.
• Relationship Building: Your return offer chances will heavily depend on how well you integrate with the team. Be personable, humble, and eager to learn. Remember, people want to work with someone they enjoy being around for long hours.
• MD’s Influence: If the MD gave you a reading list, it’s a sign they’re invested in your development. Even if you’ve only read a third of the books, focus on applying what you’ve learned and showing that you’re actively working through the list.

3. What Changes as the Only Intern?

• More Responsibility: You may be given more tasks since there’s no one else to share the workload. This is an opportunity to prove your capability.
• No Peer Benchmarking: Without other interns, you won’t have direct competition in your location. However, you’ll still be compared to interns in other locations, so aim to exceed expectations.
• Networking Challenge: With no other interns to bond with, you’ll need to make a conscious effort to network with your team and others in the firm.

4. Reading List Concern

• Not Cooked, But Act Fast: Reading a third of the list is a good start, but it’s important to show progress. Prioritize the most relevant books and demonstrate how you’re applying the knowledge in your work or discussions.
• Communicate Progress: If the MD asks, be honest about your progress and share what you’ve learned so far. Highlight your commitment to finishing the list and how it’s helping you grow.

5. Additional Tips

• Be a Sponge: Absorb as much knowledge as possible from your team. Ask thoughtful questions and show curiosity about their work.
• Document Your Work: Leave a clear, traceable trail of your contributions. This makes it easier for your team to recognize your impact.
• Stay Humble and Personable: Your technical skills are important, but being likable and easy to work with is often the deciding factor for return offers.

In summary, being the only intern gives you a unique opportunity to stand out. Focus on building strong relationships, delivering quality work, and showing a genuine desire to learn. You’re not “cooked” yet—just double down on your efforts and make the most of the remaining time!

Sources: Advice for summer and return offer rate?, Offer rescinded what can I do now?, How the hell are return offer candidates going to be assessed this summer?