Freshman in search of essentially any experience for this summer

Currently a freshman entering my second semester. I understand that freshman summer internships are often unnecessary in the long run, but I just wanted to explore the possibility of seeking out most any internship dealing with this industry. I live in a more rural area of New England, so firms are pretty sparse (I found some small PE firms and a tiny venture capital firm). I do have some marketable skills as I use excel nearly every day to analyze and value companies just for fun (judge me) and also to learn as much as I can, so at least I'm not completely clueless going into this. Also I did get A's and A+'s in my accounting and econ courses last semester (not sure if whoever I talk to would see that or care)

What types of firms should I target for networking, and what is the likelihood that they would even grant me an interview? Ideally I would go for something local as I doubt any internship I can get at this stage would be worth moving over. I don't really care if it's a 2 person operation, I'm just looking for anything that will give me useful experience this summer. I've looked at all the networking guides, so right now it's just a matter of figuring out who to contact and where.

As a side note, I work with a former JPM VP, I believe he's been out of it for 5 years, so I think he could be a great person to talk to about this, and he could likely have some other "warm" connections. But I just wanted the WSO consensus since a LOT has changed since he got out.

Thank you.

 

Good on you for taking the initiative. Don't take as gospel, but if I were in your shoes, I would use this as an opportunity to connect with and learn from as many professionals as you can. Maybe this will bring up internship opportunities, maybe not, but at the very least you can build up a network to lean on down the line. IMO, anyone who demonstrates hunger and a willingness to learn deserves 30 minutes of time and advice and hopefully firms in your area will see that. All the best!

 

Thanks for the advice! Just made a spreadsheet for all the firms in my area; definitely a lot more than I thought. I'll be getting in contact with them and hopefully something good comes out of it down the line.

 

Consider reaching out to a professor you had class with to see if there is any research you can do over the summer. A lot of professors do research and it will be something unique on your resume that you can use to differentiate yourself. I’m sure your resume will end up with a lot of industry specific experiences so getting something more unique now could be equally if not more valuable. Especially if you manage to get published

 

Iste et maxime dignissimos. Aut nihil autem qui modi.

Consequatur vitae magni nam fugiat sint. Nihil unde eos qui non consequatur illum. Quam ex dolorum voluptas ea. Tempora voluptatem praesentium optio eius rerum. In a voluptas omnis commodi corporis dignissimos quaerat. Sint eaque distinctio nemo tempore. Qui a repellat quo corrupti.

Magni quia et laboriosam eos. Provident assumenda eos totam qui sequi aspernatur odit. Aut voluptas facilis sint ut cum harum. Magni necessitatibus magnam dicta. Necessitatibus quis et iste neque quod et mollitia enim. Deserunt voluptatum et distinctio voluptas voluptatem deserunt.

Voluptas aliquid quo autem rem aut qui. Quia iusto et esse sed. Nam labore quo perspiciatis voluptatem non.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (145) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”