Working for free?

I am currently trying to land a last minute Investment Banking summer internship and I've been sending out a lot of cold emails. Most of the responses I've gotten have been to the effect of "Sorry, we have already filled our internship positions for the summer" or some variation. Some bankers, however, mention that their bank is small and therefore, doesn't have an internship program. I was thinking of telling these bankers that I would be willing to work for free, as I am just looking for the experience. What do you guys think? Have any of you tried this approach, and if so, how did it go? Thanks!

7 Comments
 

Ask them for a 15 minutes coffee or phone conversation and then make your ask. I did the same. Worked out pretty well for me.

"I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature."
 

I just don't want to sound desperate and potentially ruin future opportunities.

"The illegal we do immediately; the unconstitutional takes a little longer."
 

I really don't think that saying that you are willing to work for free makes you appear desperate. If you say you are very interested in gaining experience and learning from them and are willing to work for free I think that just validates that you are genuinely interested in personal development.

 

Drop it in if you've managed to get a coffee or call with him like Ambani said and not in your initial email.

If that doesnt work, you try upping the desperation a few notches. The "I'll drag my balls through barbed wire, slap a nun and work for free if you let me improve my excel skills" works never.

 

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