Underrated Internships & Internships to Avoid?
I'm currently a 1st year Undergrad and was reading some articles regarding firms blacklisting people having the following on their resume:
- Project Destined
- Integrus Partners
- Baird Augustine
- Caprae
- Vermilion Rock Advisors
- Excalibur Investment Banking
- Concordia Capital
I'm trying to get as much IB experience as possible before Sophomore recruiting and wanted to stray away from these types of companies. You guys have any recs that I should apply to? Appreciate the help.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to know:
Internships to Avoid:
Some firms have been flagged in WSO threads as not worth your time due to questionable practices or lack of meaningful experience. Examples include: - Harvey & Co: Known for "researching" companies to pitch deals but not executing any themselves. - Tobin & Co: Offers unpaid internships and has been widely criticized in WSO discussions. - Blackmore Partners (PE): Frequently mentioned as a firm to avoid.
Underrated Internships to Consider:
If you're looking to build relevant experience before sophomore recruiting, here are some suggestions: 1. Small Boutique Banks: Many boutique firms don’t have structured recruiting programs, making them more accessible. These internships can provide hands-on experience in financial modeling and deal exposure. 2. PWM (Private Wealth Management): While not directly IB, PWM internships at reputable firms can help you build a strong foundation in finance. 3. Ops Internships at BBs: Operations roles at major banks can give you a foot in the door and help you network internally. 4. Equity Research or Small Equity Firms: These roles can help you develop analytical skills and industry knowledge. 5. Apprenticeship Programs: Some banks, like Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs, offer front-office apprenticeships that can be a great alternative to traditional internships.
Additional Tips:
Focus on gaining relevant skills and experience, even if the role isn’t directly in IB. It’s all about building a strong foundation for future opportunities.
Sources: Low GPA, trying to get my foot in the door. What do I do?, Screwed up my A Levels, what courses can I go for to still make it in IB?, Firms to avoid, Investment Banking Recruiting allows underclassmen to get exploited and doesn't do anything about it., International Student - Chance of getting an IBD internship in London?
Uhh, well... First off, nobody is blacklisting candidates based on the internship, lol. If anything, it is arguably better to have at least some gigs than have none.
The main arguments here are:
The bottom line is whether you are ready to work for nothing for some sketchy "kinda bankers" and get a dogshit experience at the end. As somebody who got "offers" from 3 firms on this list, it is a big fat NO for me. I seriously doubt that a shop containing 95% of unpaid delusional IB kids can give you anything substantial. As for me, I eventually found a small but nice 5-person shop run by the actual bankers, who were willing to pay me a reasonable rate without all this "valuable knowledge" bullshit. Can't complain.
That's great man, thanks! how did you eventually find the shop? That's been my biggest problem so far.
Cold email, cold email, cold email.
Honestly, that’s all I can say
Cupiditate repellat voluptatem provident deleniti dolore velit autem. Laboriosam deserunt sequi esse sunt et unde quasi. Vitae dolorem impedit et aut eum. Officia minima impedit officiis temporibus sunt.
At eum dolorem id. Ipsa nulla eum alias sunt dolor rerum molestiae. Sed praesentium molestiae exercitationem dicta laborum quaerat. Quo iusto et enim error.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...