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Here are 4 things I noticed that resulted in people from my intern class not getting returns

1. Cockyness: You're an intern and even if you're the most prepared intern of all time you still know very little. Please be humble, it comes across as extremely cringe if an intern is a know-it-all.

2. Professionalism: There is always someone who gets cut because they can't control themselves at an event with drinks. Events with drinking can be legitimate tests to see if you can be trusted in social settings. Either limit your drinking or understand how you act with 3+ drinks in your system. During my internship, I was in a situation where bonuses were given out and a lot of people from the group went out for drinks, and multiple rounds of drinks were bought for the interns. Some of the interns refused (smart: because they understood their tolerance), some of the interns accepted (smart: handled the alcohol well), and some of the interns accepted and got hammered (stupid: acted unprofessional)

3. Obvious Questions: They always tell you to "ask lots of questions" but don't ask stupid questions that are easily Googleable. If your mentor during the internship is slammed with work please don't go up and ask them what the Excel shortcut is to remove gridlines.

4. Unrelatable: One example I've seen of this is where the analysts who are mentors are super busy and are frustrated with their jobs at the moment, and the interns are all giddy about doing lots of work. If your analyst is hating their job, don't act like staying up till 2 am turning comments is the most fun thing in the world. Know when to express interest/passion for the job and know when to relate to burnt-out/frustrated co-workers. If my intern is alongside me with the attitude of 'this is brutal but I'm here to help get this work done' at 2 am, I would be stoked. If my intern is alongside me with the attitude of 'Boy I'm so excited to be here at 2 am moving logos! I love this job!!', I am probably going to dislike them.

 

Hey there! Navigating an SA position, especially at a prestigious EB like PJT, EVR, or LAZ, can indeed be daunting, but with the right approach, you can significantly increase your chances of securing that coveted return offer. Here are some tips that have been highlighted in the WSO forums and discussions:

  1. Excel in Your Work: This goes without saying, but your primary focus should be on delivering high-quality work consistently. Make sure you're thorough with your tasks, double-check your work for errors, and always aim to exceed expectations.

  2. Be Proactive: Don't wait for work to come to you. Show initiative by asking for more responsibilities, offering help to your team, and always looking for ways to contribute more. This demonstrates your eagerness and commitment to the role.

  3. Learn and Adapt Quickly: Given that you're concerned about not being an Excel/modeling guru, take this time to brush up on those skills. Utilize resources like WSO's financial modeling courses or the Excel resources available on the site. Showing improvement and a willingness to learn can make a big difference.

  4. Network Internally: Build relationships within your team and across other departments. Networking isn't just for securing a position; it's also about building a support system within the firm that can vouch for your work ethic and fit within the company culture.

  5. Understand the Culture: As an international student, take the time to observe and understand the firm's culture. Adapt to it while also bringing your unique perspective to the table. This can help you navigate potential cultural barriers more effectively.

  6. Seek Feedback Regularly: Don't wait for formal reviews to find out how you're doing. Ask for feedback from your supervisors and peers regularly and use it constructively to improve your performance.

  7. Stay Positive and Professional: The hours can be long and the work demanding, but maintaining a positive attitude and professional demeanor throughout your internship can set you apart.

Remember, securing a return offer is not just about hard skills but also about fitting in with the firm's culture and demonstrating your potential as a valuable long-term asset. Good luck, and make the most of your summer analyst experience!

Sources: My Advice for International Students in the US (F-1 Visa, OPT, CPT, H-1B), International students, non-diversity at target schools, how was/is your IB/PE recruiting process?, Intern Return Offer Rate, Advice for summer and return offer rate?, Tips to a SA for a Return Offer

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Which team are you joining at the EB. Is it generalist M&A, RX, or something else? 

 

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