Where should I intern for Freshman -> Sophomore Summer for IB

Current Freshman at a Semi Target, kind of expecting an average GPA after my first year. I know that relevant internships certainly help land an IB job and I could use all the help I could get if I’m not gonna end up with like a 3.7/3.8+. From what I’ve heard Wealth Management is a good start, also heard Search Fund is a good route. Or should I stop being a hardo and not intern.

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some recommendations for internships for a freshman moving into their sophomore summer, especially if you're aiming for a future in investment banking (IB):

  1. Local, Middle Market, and Boutique Investment Banking Firms:

    • These firms are more likely to consider freshmen for internships. Reach out to analysts, associates, MDs, and VPs at these firms. Use cold-email templates available on WSO to structure your outreach.
  2. Back Office (BO) or Middle Office (MO) Roles:

    • These roles can provide valuable experience and are more accessible for freshmen. They can help you build a foundation in finance.
  3. Wealth Management:

    • Wealth management internships are a good starting point and can provide relevant experience that is valued in IB.
  4. Search Funds:

    • Interning at a search fund can also be a beneficial route, offering exposure to finance and investment processes.
  5. Any Job in Finance:

    • If you can't secure an IB-related internship, any finance-related job can be helpful. This includes roles in finance/accounting divisions at local companies.
  6. Small Equity Firms or Private Wealth Management (PWM):

    • These internships are often more accessible and can provide relevant experience.

Remember, the key is to gain any finance-related experience that can position you well for future IB interviews. Focus on building your resume and networking within the industry.

Sources: Freshmen: What to do during your freshman year summer, Tips for Getting an internship in Investment Banking as a freshman, Banks that offer summer internships to Freshman?, Low GPA, trying to get my foot in the door. What do I do?, Looking for advice--second internship

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

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