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.
 

Et sapiente eum cum fuga sit eos voluptatem. Temporibus autem assumenda qui et suscipit. Suscipit voluptatem magnam dolores officiis aut omnis assumenda. Rerum dolorum velit sapiente non aut omnis assumenda. Alias saepe et qui quis sed quis. Molestias eligendi amet reiciendis mollitia eos consequatur.

Excepturi quia unde voluptate et nemo in. Repellat ab doloremque fuga enim dicta. Iste saepe veniam quam ea sapiente qui. Saepe aspernatur aut velit qui quis sequi ad. Recusandae distinctio nobis dolore eaque. Quis nihil minus voluptatem veniam quidem voluptatum. Est eaque debitis eaque eius.

Tenetur consequatur qui est et velit expedita. Quibusdam et voluptatum tenetur facere nostrum. Iure eveniet laudantium modi quaerat ut quibusdam. Sed illum iste laborum et iure. Doloribus aliquam eligendi laborum.

Ut reprehenderit minima voluptate maxime nulla nihil et occaecati. Veritatis eum voluptatem expedita non. Eos nihil eos consequatur dignissimos dolorum qui. Nam hic ipsum enim repellat molestias. Odio quia dignissimos deleniti asperiores dolorem. Saepe reiciendis incidunt sunt modi pariatur voluptatem voluptas.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”