What Can I Do to Prep for Summer Associate Recruiting?

I’m headed to a t10 mba this fall from a non trad background. Alumni told me recruiting starts early fall. What can I do to improve my chances of getting into a BB summer associate internship? Whether it’s soft skills or technicals, any advice helps. I hate sitting idle when I have time to prep but I don’t know.

6,306 WSO Academy Investment Banking Session Reviews: 4.82/5

Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

Class of '26 Nov 2026 Cohort

5.00/5

Investment Banking Why [Industry] Review

“I had a very insightful session with Javier. He shared valuable networking strategies and practical advice on how to approach investment banking firms and build meaningful professional connections. One of the most helpful parts of our discussion was working on two important interview questions: “Tell me about yourself” and “Why investment banking?” He helped me understand how to structure my answers and communicate my background and career goals more effectively. Since Javier also has experience in healthcare investment banking, I was particularly interested in learning about his career journey and how I could leverage my own healthcare background to enter the industry. He patiently answered my questions, cleared up many of my doubts, and gave me a much clearer direction for my investment banking recruiting journey. I genuinely appreciated his guidance and look forward to applying what I learned.”

The University of Sydney

Class of '28 Nov 2026 Cohort

4.56/5

Investment Banking Mock Coffee Chat

“Kristian was great. I know he is very busy running private investments for Soul Patts, but he still made a massive effort to fit me in for a conversation. He came to the chat enthusiastic and willing to spend time with me which was really good. He gave me some really interesting points both behavioural and technical. I really liked how he mentioned that I should be following up my coffee chats if they don't respond to me. I had always thought it would have been rude to do so but his points were really valid. He also told me to understand the financial mathematics and flaws of PE metrics like IRR and MOM for a future career in PE, which was a really good technical point that I liked and will have to pick up on. Would highly recommend speaking with him.”

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key steps to prepare for summer associate recruiting, especially if you're headed to a top 10 MBA program from a non-traditional background:

Technical Skills:
- Accounting/Finance/Modeling Self-Study: Start with self-study in accounting, finance, and financial modeling. This foundational knowledge is crucial for investment banking roles.
- Excel and PowerPoint Proficiency: Solid knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint is essential. Consider taking courses from Wall Street Prep, especially their advanced PowerPoint course, to become proficient with shortcuts and tools.
Networking:
- Reach Out to Alumni: Connect with alumni who have successfully navigated the recruiting process. They can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities.
- Coffee Chats: Engage in coffee chats with current professionals and alumni. This helps build relationships and gain insider knowledge about the recruiting process.
Soft Skills:
- Interview Preparation: Focus on developing strong interview skills. This includes both technical questions and behavioral questions. Practice with mock interviews if possible.
- Communication Skills: Work on your communication skills, as they are critical for networking and interviews.
Pre-MBA Experience:
- Relevant Internships: If possible, gain some relevant experience through internships or projects that can bolster your resume and provide talking points during interviews.
Stay Informed:
- Industry Trends: Keep up with industry trends and news. Understanding the current market landscape can help you in interviews and networking conversations.
Utilize Resources:
- WSO Resources: Leverage resources available on Wall Street Oasis, such as forums, templates, and guides. These can provide valuable insights and tools for your preparation.

By focusing on these areas, you can improve your chances of securing a BB summer associate internship. Good luck with your preparation!

Sources: How to Prepare for IB Summer Internship, How to prepare for summer ASSOCIATE internship, Recruiting Tips for Summer Analyst Prospects, Post-MBA IB Mega Thread, Pre-MBA Associate Recruiting vs. B-School Sponsorship from MBB?

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