Plz help - losing motivation before SA internship

Incoming SA at a BB this summer. Worked super hard to get it and a month ago I was insanely motivated but over the last month I've lost a ton of motivation and it's really worrying. I think it's stemming from the fact I prepared really hard and after speaking to some people at the bank they said I'd be way ahead/overprepared compared to the other interns. Basically I think that's caused my brain to get complacent and look towards working towards the next thing (i.e. PE prep/off cycle internships) rather than the SA internship itself. Any advice is appreciated to make me lock in. Thanks!

 
Most Helpful

I mean this in the nicest possible way. Stop thinking so much.

You're in an incredibly good position which a lot of the people on this forum would give their little finger for. Just as a reminder.

To help you "lock in", however seriously you think you've prepared, you'll learn the vast majority on the desk. And the vast majority of the factors which determine whether you get a return offer will be determined by your attitude and performance on the desk, a lot of which is totally uncorrelated to your "preparation". This is NOT an exam. You are highly unlikely (I mean, extraordinarily unlikely) to be asked to do any complex modelling (except may in your intern project) or the like.

So your preparation is not *that* differentiating. Some humility is in order.

When incoming interns ask me how to prepare, I usually say have a great holiday after your exam, spend time with your family / girlfriend / boyfriend / whatever, and come in full of energy, humility, and willingness to learn on day one.

 

Like most things in life; take every person’s advice with a grain of salt. You know your strengths and weaknesses best, so if preparing makes you more confident, I say continue preparing. When I was an Associate, I prepared ahead of the role even when alumni told me not to, that I would learn everything I need to know on the job.  To a certain extent, yes, you will be taught on the job. But, like any coursework you’ve taken in your undergraduate program, repetition only helps you get sharper and understand the material better. It will also help you speak confidently and look good compared to your peers. If you come in already with a strong skillset and confidence, in addition to a good attitude and drive, you will be in high demand when it comes to staffing. 

 

To echo the VP above, get comfortable with excel (don’t be insanely sweaty about it). Would recommend making/reviewing PPTs to refine attention to detail. Be as comfortable as possible so there’s no added stress or unnecessary learning curves.

 

Laudantium pariatur est nulla at. Facilis omnis natus velit qui laboriosam.

Qui aspernatur voluptatum architecto quo. Dolor voluptate et velit dignissimos rerum. Aut expedita numquam est soluta cum quis et est. Et expedita doloremque quasi deserunt. Doloremque tempora quaerat velit enim assumenda.

Facere voluptatem tempore soluta placeat rem. Voluptatibus quas incidunt voluptas quidem assumenda quo nostrum et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners New 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 01 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 24 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 97.7%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners New 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners 18 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 06 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (21) $373
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (148) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”