Winning a Return
I’m two weeks into my investment banking summer internship, and I could really use some advice. I’ve been working insanely hard, first one in the office, last one out every night. I’ve kept a positive attitude, asked for feedback, and tried to go above and beyond. But one of the analysts I’ve been working closely with pulled me aside and he said I’m not currently on track to receive a return offer and my performance isn't sufficient. To be fair, I’ve messed up a couple of things for him. That said, there’s been no training, almost zero communication of expectations, and little to no guidance on what "good" looks like. I’m doing everything I can to improve—watching training vids, asking questions, working late, etc. I feel crushed. It’s only been two weeks and I already feel like I’ve blown my shot. I care about this so much and I don’t want to walk away from the summer without a return.
Would really appreciate any advice from people who’ve been through this. How can I turn it around? What are the most impactful things I can do now to salvage this?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s how you can turn things around and maximize your chances of securing a return offer:
Own Your Mistakes and Show Growth: Acknowledge the errors you’ve made and demonstrate that you’re learning from them. Analysts and associates value interns who can take feedback constructively and improve. Double-check your work meticulously moving forward, and ensure it’s error-free before submitting.
Seek Clarity on Expectations: Since there’s been little guidance, take the initiative to ask your analyst or associate for specific feedback on what they expect from you. Frame it as wanting to align with their standards and improve. For example, ask, “What does success look like for this task?” or “How can I better support you?”
Focus on Quality Over Quantity: While being the first in and last out shows dedication, the quality of your work matters more. Prioritize delivering high-quality, accurate work over just putting in long hours. Proofread everything, and leave a clear trail of your sources and logic.
Build Relationships: Beyond technical skills, being likable and easy to work with is critical. Engage with your team, show genuine interest in their work, and be approachable. Even small gestures like asking about their weekend or offering to help with tasks can make a difference.
Leverage Your Network: If you’re struggling with guidance, reach out to other interns or junior bankers who might be more approachable. They can provide tips, share their experiences, or even help you navigate the team dynamics.
Stay Positive and Resilient: It’s easy to feel defeated, but maintaining a positive attitude is crucial. Show that you’re resilient and committed to improving. People notice when you bounce back from setbacks with determination.
Communicate Proactively: Keep your team updated on your progress and ask for feedback regularly. For instance, after completing a task, you could say, “I’ve completed this based on my understanding. Please let me know if there’s anything I can improve.”
Learn from Resources: Continue watching training videos and reviewing materials, but also focus on practical application. If you’re struggling with a specific technical skill, ask a colleague for a quick walkthrough or clarification.
Remember, it’s still early in the internship, and many interns have turned things around after a rocky start. By showing improvement, being proactive, and building goodwill with your team, you can still salvage your summer and secure that return offer. Keep pushing—you’ve got this!
Sources: Advice for summer and return offer rate?, Q&A: Investment Banking Intern Season, Offer rescinded what can I do now?, How the hell are return offer candidates going to be assessed this summer?, Intern Return Offer Rate
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