4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, it seems that securing a summer internship in your first year can be a bit challenging, but it's not impossible. Here are a few tips:

  1. Networking: This is one of the most efficient ways to get a job. Be persistent with emailing advisers, reaching out to firms, and so on.

  2. Corporate Finance: While different from Investment Banking, these internships can provide you with helpful knowledge and work experience. You could land some sort of gig at local firms and Fortune 400 to 500 companies.

  3. Startups and Small Companies: Reach out to startups and small companies in your hometown and other places. Usually, if you are a smart kid, hardworking and the company needs the help, they will not turn you down.

  4. Be cautious of certain opportunities: For example, AXA Advisors is known by banks as a place where you’re just selling insurance like Northwestern Mutual or Primerica. It might not be the best choice for your resume if you're aiming for Investment Banking.

Remember, the goal of your first year summer should be to gain any job experience. It doesn't necessarily have to be in finance. The important thing is to start building your resume and your network. Good luck!

Sources: Freshmen: What to do during your freshman year summer, First Year Summer Internship Enough for IB?, No IB offers for the summer...what now?, Banks that offer summer internships to Freshman?

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

Accusamus sit voluptatem laudantium enim. Ea culpa sit mollitia velit et quo magnam.

Qui nihil cupiditate magnam reprehenderit temporibus ullam. Eos debitis rem inventore hic qui. Et provident et id corporis rerum.

Nulla qui voluptatem hic aut. Rerum aspernatur eligendi et itaque animi earum dolor eos. Doloremque cupiditate qui sequi quibusdam.

Aspernatur nostrum a est. Expedita laborum dolor enim labore omnis distinctio ipsum. Blanditiis porro vero placeat sed quasi doloribus perferendis veniam. Nostrum animi perspiciatis dolorem est sint.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (53) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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

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...”