What to do after offer?

Congratulations on landing your SA 27 offer! Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some actionable suggestions to make the most of your time before starting your internship:

1. Travel and Enjoy Yourself:

   • Many bankers emphasize the importance of enjoying your free time before the grind begins. Traveling is a great way to recharge and gain new perspectives. Once you start, free time will be limited, so take advantage of this period.

2. Get in Shape:

   • Staying fit is a fantastic idea. Building a solid fitness routine now can help you maintain your health and energy levels during the demanding internship and beyond.

3. Light Preparation:

   • While you don’t need to over-prepare, brushing up on some basics can help you feel more confident. Consider reading books like The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande or refreshing your knowledge on valuation and financial modeling if you feel rusty. Avoid overloading yourself with modeling classes—your bank will train you on their specific methods.

4. Build Good Habits:

   • Start practicing attention to detail and organization. For example, set weekly reminders to review mistakes you’ve made in emails or tasks and think of ways to avoid them in the future. This habit will serve you well in banking.

5. Network and Build Relationships:

   • Use this time to network across the industry. Reach out to alumni, professionals, or peers to build connections. This can help you gain insights into the culture of different banks and prepare for your full-time role.

6. Stay Informed:

   • Keep up with financial news and trends. Platforms like Seeking Alpha’s Wall Street Breakfast or even ESPN (if you’re not into sports) can help you stay conversationally relevant with colleagues and clients.

7. Assess Your Career Goals:

   • Reflect on whether investment banking is the long-term path for you. Use this time to explore other interests or industries if you’re unsure. This is also a good time to think about what you want out of your internship and career.

8. Learn a Unique Skill:

   • Developing a niche skill (e.g., coding, statistics, or industry-specific knowledge) can make you stand out. For example, one intern who knew oil or another who understood statistics became invaluable to their teams.

9. Relax and Recharge:

   • Don’t underestimate the value of downtime. Banking is intense, and having a well-rested mind and body will help you hit the ground running.

10. Plan Logistically:

    • If you’re moving to a new city for your internship, start planning your living arrangements and getting familiar with the area.

By balancing preparation with personal growth and relaxation, you’ll set yourself up for success while making the most of this unique time.

Sources: 1st Yr Banking Analyst Open for Questions, Non-Target to MM IB: My Advice, Preparing for an IB internship