Search Fund Internships

Hi, I'm an undergrad at a target school interested in interning for a search fund this semester. I've been cold-emailing 50+ emails, applying through Handshake, and Searchfunder but seem to be having no luck. Am I too late into the semester or doing something wrong? Looking for advice, and if anyone has any good leads, would appreciate that a lot as well. Thanks guys. 

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable steps and advice for your situation:

  1. Persistence is Key: Cold emailing is a numbers game. If you've sent 50+ emails, consider increasing that number significantly. Some users have reported sending out hundreds of emails before landing an internship. For example, one individual applied to 288 internships and eventually succeeded.

  2. Refine Your Cold Emails: Ensure your emails are short, personal, and not overly formal. Avoid generic templates. Mention something specific about the recipient's background or firm to show genuine interest. Follow up every 5-9 days if you don't get a response, as persistence often pays off.

  3. Expand Your Search: If you're not getting responses, broaden your target list. Look beyond search funds and consider related fields like private equity, venture capital, or boutique investment firms. Platforms like LinkedIn, alumni networks, and niche job boards can help you discover more opportunities.

  4. Leverage Networking: Reach out to alumni or professionals in your network for informational interviews. Even if these don't lead to direct offers, they can provide valuable insights and connections. Some users have found success by simply asking professionals about their experiences and advice.

  5. Timing and Flexibility: While it might feel late in the semester, it's not impossible. Highlight your willingness to take on unpaid roles or flexible hours if necessary. This can make you a more attractive candidate for firms with limited budgets or last-minute needs.

  6. Polish Your Resume and Pitch: Constantly refine your resume and elevator pitch. Tailor them to highlight your interest in search funds and relevant skills. If possible, include a stock pitch or case study to demonstrate your analytical abilities.

If you're looking for specific leads, consider exploring platforms like Searchfunder more deeply or reaching out to smaller, lesser-known funds that might not have formal recruiting processes. Keep pushing, and remember, you only need one "yes" to make it work!

Sources: How to get a Hedge Fund Internship, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/cold-emailing-to-ask-for-internship-template-advice?customgpt=1, Hedge Fund Careers: Getting a Hedge Fund Job Out of Undergrad and Beyond, Going from a non-target with low GPA to landing a hedge fund Internship, Hedge Fund Careers: Getting a Hedge Fund Job Out of Undergrad and Beyond

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

Non aliquam voluptas alias quia. Officia veniam minima inventore id et. A ex dolores nam inventore nesciunt dolorem aut. Nesciunt et nulla nesciunt asperiores quos nam. Consequatur omnis ea eum quos reiciendis.

Ut quos inventore debitis corporis ipsa id aut. Aliquam suscipit est et dolor expedita dolores fuga. Repellendus iste porro fugiat vel dolor similique. Laudantium rerum dicta officia unde nihil. Et porro earum eveniet modi quia. Dolor quidem et sunt. Dolores excepturi quia nobis tempora dolorem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (71) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”