Freshman Summer: IB vs. Hedge Fund Internship

TO CLARIFY: I HAVE ALREADY INTERVIEWED AND RECEIVED OFFERS FROM BOTH.

I'm currently a freshman at a non-target (I might graduate a year early, so technically I could be classified as a sophomore). This summer, I'm considering interning at either a boutique IB (20-200mm deal size) or a small hedge fund (5-25mm under management). Of course, I'm probably going to do a 2-3 year IB analyst stint after graduation, then possibly transition to the buy-side/bschool/etc.

Which option would you choose, and why?

Also, should I consider attending LSE Summer School the latter half of the summer, if my employer allows, or should I intern the entire summer? (This option would include 8 weeks internship, 6 weeks LSE.)

11 Comments
 

Well the HF could be a good opportunity if you are smart and the PM is competent. Assuming it's a 1-2 man shop with 20 mm under management, they could bring in 1+ million in a decent year based on a 2/20 fee structure. If you're willing to wear many hats and help the fund grow to 50+ mm, it could be a good entrepreneurial opportunity and you wouldn't have to go through this banking bullshit. Having 10 mm under management as a 22 year old is not a bad proposition if you have skills and believe in them.

 

To clarify, I have already interviewed and received offers from both.

Also, should I consider attending LSE Summer School the latter half of the summer, if my employer allows, or should I intern the entire summer?

 

Deleniti aliquam cupiditate odio sit tempora numquam sunt aut. Dolorum temporibus provident et quasi quasi eius nemo. Fugit quo sunt dolor et quis voluptatem voluptate. Ut aut explicabo sit nobis. Error voluptatem sed ratione itaque. Odio voluptate nihil et deleniti.

Sed aut est temporibus nihil. Delectus provident repellendus illum neque. Quia molestias quaerat magni eveniet saepe quaerat. Sit corrupti velit pariatur ut reiciendis dolor quo.

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 97.4%

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 97.4%

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 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (55) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”