PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHERE IM AT

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's an assessment of your current position and actionable next steps:

Where You Stand:

1. Academics: A 4.0 GPA in Finance is a strong foundation, even from a non-target school. It shows academic excellence, which is critical for standing out.
2. Experience:
   • Spring Capital Raising Internship: This is a solid experience, especially since you're working on deals in the $20-300 million range. While you're not building financial models, the exposure to industry analysis, CRM data organization, and investor materials preparation is valuable.
   • RBC Externship: While externships are less hands-on than internships, the opportunity to learn DCF modeling, deliver a pitch, and interact with RBC bankers is a great way to build technical and soft skills.
3. Networking: No mention of club leadership or significant networking efforts yet, which could be a gap to address.

Next Steps:

1. Next Internship:

   • Aim for a part-time finance internship during the semester, ideally at a boutique investment bank or private equity firm. This will give you hands-on experience with financial modeling and deal execution, which are critical for investment banking roles.
   • If IB internships are unavailable, consider roles in corporate finance, asset management, or valuation firms to build relevant skills.
   • Startups or smaller firms can also be a good option, but ensure the role involves technical work like modeling or valuation.

2. Cold Emailing:

   • Start cold emailing immediately. Focus on alumni from your school, professionals at boutique firms, and anyone with a connection to your background.
   • Personalize your emails—mention specific reasons for reaching out, such as their career path or firm focus.
   • Quality over quantity: Reach out to 10-15 people per week with tailored messages.

3. Networking:

   • Leverage your RBC externship to build relationships with bankers. Ask for informational interviews and advice on breaking into the industry.
   • Attend finance-related events, join your school’s finance or investment club (if available), and consider organizing events to demonstrate leadership.

4. Skill Development:

   • Learn financial modeling and valuation through online courses or resources like WSO’s Financial Modeling Course.
   • Prepare for technical and behavioral interviews by practicing stock pitches, DCFs, and answering "Why IB?" questions.

5. Timeline:

   • Spring Semester: Secure a part-time internship and continue networking.
   • Summer: Aim for a more technical internship, ideally in IB or PE.
   • Fall: Begin preparing for junior-year summer analyst applications, as these are critical for full-time offers.

By following these steps, you’ll position yourself as a competitive candidate for investment banking or other high-finance roles. Keep building your story, gaining technical skills, and expanding your network!

Sources: Freshmen: What to do during your freshman year summer, Career in Finance - Reality or Reach?, Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking, Q&A: Investment Banking Intern Season, Two Internships Later: What I wish I Knew While Recruiting! (Toronto)