Some advice for all summer analysts

I want to give some straightforward advice to all the brand new summer analysts that are starting right about now.

--Be productive. Get your work done, double check all of it, and do it in a timely manner.

--Don't be afraid to ask smart questions. In other words, try and inform yourself using available resources and ask intelligent questions. For example: If you're working on a DCF for an analyst / associate, look at other DCFs or templates, put together a draft and ask pointed questions about the mechanics of the DCF. Don't just throw together a piece of shit and hand it to the analyst. It's better to try to do things and ask pointed questions versus asking lazy questions without trying first.

--Don't leave early. If you don't have anything to do, ask people if they need help on things. Summer analysts are not expected to be great at anything, but if you are doing good work and trying to keep as busy as possible, then you'll make people happy. Making people happy by producing quality work, showing an eagerness to learn and take on responsibility, and not being a jackass will get you an offer.

--Don't look past your internship. Stay focused on the work you have up front of you and the projects you are staffed on. I say this because everyone is so busy jacking off to the thought of PE that they'll lose sight of what's important in the short run. Namely, again, doing quality work, staying productive, and not being a jackass.

I was compelled to write this because I'm hearing from some of my banker friends about interns that are just starting and how they're already getting a vibe from some of them that they feel entitled and relatively clueless about what's expected of them. Considering all of the resources available to them (i.e. WSO), it's mind boggling that they have these sorts of attitudes. So, if you're starting as a summer analyst, be sure to leave the entitled attitude at the door and be ready to work your ass off. Or else, be prepared to leave without an offer and be relatively fucked come FT recruiting time.

6 Comments
 

The only thing I would add to the above post is that your short-term goal should be making sure you are doing quality work, productive and fitting in with the group. Your goal for the summer should be to secure a full-time offer and whil you may produce quality work and are a workhorse, if people do not like you...you may not receive an offer. Make sure you are social as well and try to meet and work with as many people as possible so when it comes time for decisions half of the group is not asking who?

 
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