Best thing for a freshman to do?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a structured plan for your current situation and the near future:

1. Continue Your Search Fund Internship:

   • Extending your search fund internship into the summer is a great move. It provides relevant experience and demonstrates your interest in finance. Make sure to extract as much value as possible by taking on meaningful tasks and learning about deal processes.

2. Networking:

   • Start reaching out to alumni and professionals in the industry. Focus on building relationships with people at regional boutiques or firms where you might secure a sophomore internship.
   • Attend info sessions, coffee chats, and any events hosted by banks or finance organizations. These connections will be invaluable when recruiting starts.

3. Technical Prep:

   • Dedicate time to mastering technicals. Use resources like BIWS 400 questions and WSO guides to ensure you're confident in your knowledge. Being able to answer technical questions fluently will set you apart during interviews.

4. Explore Research Opportunities:

   • If possible, collaborate with a professor on finance-related research. This can add depth to your resume and show intellectual curiosity, especially if the research ties into your interest in investment banking.

5. Consider a Regional Boutique Internship:

   • If you can manage to land a small regional boutique IB internship, even part-time, it would be a strong addition to your experience. These roles often provide hands-on exposure to financial modeling and deal work.

6. Summer Plan:

   • Use the summer to focus on networking and technical prep while continuing your internship. This combination will position you well for sophomore recruiting.

7. Avoid Burnout:

   • While it's important to stay focused, don't forget to balance your efforts with some downtime. Dropping out and moving to Hawaii might sound tempting, but staying the course will pay off in the long run.

By following this plan, you'll maximize your freshman year and set yourself up for success in sophomore recruiting. Keep pushing forward—you're on the right track!

Sources: Freshmen: What to do during your freshman year summer, Tips for Getting an internship in Investment Banking as a freshman, Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking, Pre-Investment Banking Internship: Calling all freshmen and sophomores, 5 Steps To Becoming A Rockstar Freshman (Undergrad Advice)