Who do I approach about an off cycle internship at a larger bank?

Disclaimer: I've read nearly all the WSO posts about off cycle internships

My particulars, currently in the Northeast and have a IB boutique experience. I've heard conflicting things whether to reach out directly to HR or try to network with employees. I'm close to NYC so I'm thinking that I should try for a part time internship there. I've reached out to alum at EB's but they weren't really helpful ie they didn't really have an answer. Should I call HR at bigger banks and straight up ask for any winter/spring internship openings? Or is it better to just try and network with employees for a potential opportunity? I'm lost because I've seen and heard people get off cycles at BB's and EB's but I'm not really getting anywhere.

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Dartmouth has a dedicated winter analyst program with Baml and (I think) Lazard, but don't quote me on the latter. If you're at a target chances are there are alumni who've gone down a similar path, so I'd suggest searching through linkedin and getting in touch.

Outside of that, HR is pretty much useless in terms of networking. Personally, I've had a lot of success cold emailing analysts/associates/the occasional senior banker at boutiques, lower MM shops, and some BB's/EB's -- it's how I've built a substantial portion of my professional network and landed off-cycle internships (although not at EB's/BB's). My FT offer in the tmt group of a lower BB came from that form of networking.

Honestly man it's so dependent on how you present yourself on these calls AND if they have a need for more manpower. Happy to discuss further over PM.

 

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