Applying to internships but don't meet qualifications

Hey all, I was curious about something. I am a freshman and at a non-target (non-semi either) and was curious about what would happen if I applied to an IB internship right now for next summer (when I will be a soph / rising junior) despite it being only open to juniors / rising seniors. I know I'll likely get denied right away, but will anything bad come of it? Most of these firms I have not networked at yet. Thanks for the input.

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just seems completely pointless to waste your 10 minutes sending an application honestly. They will realize it, so there is no point in trying. And I would argue it doesn't show any signs of curiosity or willingness to be at the firm, just shows that you can't read directions and enjoy wasting people's time. but, to offer you some advice, just start networking heavily over the summer because coming from non-target, networking is the best way to position yourself for application/interview next year.

 

On top of it not going anywhere, some firms have you report if you’ve applied there before. There’s even a box that says “have you ever applied to work at XYZ before?”

No idea if it would hurt your chances, especially because a lot of firms will really hire you based on your networking skills, but I think it would be a bad idea to put your name into a system that you have no shot at getting hired for when it could potentially hurt you in the future.

This advice wouldn’t apply if you had networked in and had an MD uncle at JP Morgan, but it doesn’t make sense without networking.

 

I did it and didn't affect me - applied to a BB S&T open to 3rd years when I was in my sophomore, didn't hear anything back at all (auto ding after seeing my graduation year i guess)

Applied again in my 3rd year and got an interview - so I doubt it would make a difference.. but YMMV

but yes agree with the post above, seems pointless as it will be an automatic ding

 

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