Dead End Internship

To maximize your full-time placement with the time you have left, here’s a structured approach based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Evaluate Your Internship Options Strategically

• JLL Facilities Management Internship: While the brand name is strong, the non-analytical nature of the role could be a drawback if you're targeting macro/rates/FX research or trading. However, if you can spin the experience to highlight transferable skills (e.g., project management, organizational skills, or exposure to corporate operations), it might still add value.
• Financial Sales Internship: This could be more relevant if you can demonstrate client-facing skills, financial product knowledge, or sales-driven results. It’s not ideal for your long-term goals but could be positioned as a stepping stone.

• Sports Management Internship: This seems the least relevant unless you can leverage it for networking or unique storytelling in interviews.

  Recommendation: If none of these options directly align with your goals, prioritize the one that offers the best combination of brand recognition and transferable skills. JLL might be the safer bet, but only if you can articulate its relevance during FT recruiting.

2. Focus on Building Relevant Skills and Experiences

• Research and Macro Analysis: Continue developing your macro analysis skills and producing tear sheets. These can serve as tangible proof of your interest and expertise in the field. Share them with industry professionals during networking or even attach them to applications.
• Technical Skills: Strengthen your technical toolkit by mastering Excel, VBA, Python, or R for data analysis. These are highly valued in macro/trading roles.
• Certifications: Consider pursuing certifications like the CFA Level I or Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) to demonstrate your commitment to finance and markets.

3. Network Aggressively

• Targeted Outreach: Focus on professionals in macro/rates/FX research or trading roles, especially in Chicago. Use LinkedIn, alumni networks, and cold emails to set up informational interviews.
• Leverage Your Research: Share your macro analyses or tear sheets during conversations to showcase your knowledge and passion for the field.
• Stay Consistent: Networking is a numbers game. Aim to connect with at least 5-10 new professionals weekly.

4. Prepare for Full-Time Recruiting

• Tailor Your Story: Develop a compelling narrative that ties your experiences (even unrelated ones) to your long-term goals. For example, highlight how managing invoices at JLL taught you attention to detail or how financial sales honed your client-facing skills.
• Mock Interviews: Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Be ready to discuss macroeconomic trends, market movements, and your research insights.
• Target Firms: Research firms in Chicago that align with your interests and start building a list of target companies for FT recruiting.

5. Consider Alternative Summer Plans

• If none of your current options feel like a good fit, explore unpaid internships, remote opportunities, or part-time roles in macro research or trading. Even a small boutique firm or academic research project could provide more relevant experience.

Final Thoughts

Taking the JLL internship might be the most practical choice if you can’t secure a more relevant role. However, you’ll need to work hard outside of the internship to build your profile for FT recruiting. Focus on producing high-quality macro analyses, networking relentlessly, and sharpening your technical skills. With 6-8 months to go, you still have time to position yourself for success.

Sources: How to Thrive on Your Research Internship, Two Internships Later: What I wish I Knew While Recruiting! (Toronto), Feel like I'm going to be stuck in this job, what do I do?, 7 Tips for the Boutique IB Summer Stint, How to turn a summer analyst role into full time offer