fall 2009 internship advice

hey guys,

i'm a rising soph at northwestern in the mmss program. some quick info - decent EC activities, 3.4 gpa (tough program). currently interning in india with a healthcare startup, working on a rotationalesque system with the marketing, operations, and finance departments.

i had a question regarding fall internships. my schedule for the upcoming fall quarter is light enough to where i think i can handle an internship during the week. instead of taking another class, i figured the work experience would prove to be more beneficial.

my question is - where do i start the application process?/how do i even apply? i understand my best bet for a job is probably applying to either boutique firms or middle market firms. at this point, i'm undecided between consulting and banking, but i've read that consulting firms rarely offer internships, and especially not for the fall.

that said, i've checked out the list for the boutique firms in the chicago area. should i just cold call? how likely is it i'll be able to get an offer?

i appreciate the help.

3 Comments
 
Best Response

Is it very likely, no, but if you don't make the effort at all, you are guaranteed to get nothing. Your best bet is to search around for boutiques, both consulting and banking (who cares if one doesn't like to accept fall interns as much, it doesn't take much to give it a shot), and just start reaching out. Many boutiques will have email addresses and phone numbers online - use them. Put together a quick introductory email to introduce yourself, your interest in the firm and industry, and your interest in learning more about any potential need/any potential opportunities for an intern this fall semester - they should see from the school that you are local, and that it is an easy way to get some help if they may need it. Be proactive and let them know that you will call them in the next day or so (assuming a phone number is online) to make sure they received the email, and discuss the firm/any opps/your resume/etc. Does it work all the time - absolutely not, but it's worth a shot, and outside of getting lucky and seeing a position on Craigslist, efinancialcareers, or your career site (which you should check out for specific opps), this is your best bet (assuming you don't have several industry contacts).

IBanker www.BankonBanking.com [email protected] Articles, News, Advice and More Break Into Investment Banking

 

Distinctio totam perferendis ut animi doloribus architecto corrupti commodi. Vero sit voluptatem sapiente autem sed quo.

Voluptas perferendis impedit recusandae perferendis nam cumque. Enim sed expedita omnis sapiente. Doloribus ipsum consequatur quia. Eum ut sed voluptatem doloremque quia dolor.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (71) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”