Freshmen Internship?
Does anyone have advice for a college freshman at a semi-target (think IU Kelley, CMU Tepper, BC, etc) looking to beak into investment banking for a summer internship? Where to look/how to go about building experience?
Does anyone have advice for a college freshman at a semi-target (think IU Kelley, CMU Tepper, BC, etc) looking to beak into investment banking for a summer internship? Where to look/how to go about building experience?
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Hey there, future finance whiz! You're asking all the right questions at the right time. Here's some advice based on the most helpful WSO content:
Start Early: The finance world is competitive, especially when it comes to internships. The earlier you start preparing, the better.
Networking: This is key in the finance world. Start building relationships with professionals in the industry. Attend networking events, reach out to alumni, and don't be afraid to cold-email people at firms you're interested in.
Local and Boutique Firms: As a freshman, your best bet might be to look at local, middle-market, and boutique investment banking firms. They might be more open to giving a freshman a chance.
Back Office or Middle Office Roles: These roles can be a great stepping stone. They might not be as glamorous as front office roles, but they'll give you valuable experience and a foot in the door.
Cold-Emailing: There are plenty of templates on WSO that you can use as a starting point. Remember, it's a numbers game. The more people you contact, the higher your chances of getting a response.
Internship Search: Look for banks that offer summer internships to freshmen. Some firms do offer paid internships to freshmen, so do your research.
Build Your Skills: While you're still in school, focus on courses that will give you the skills you need in investment banking. This could be anything from finance and economics to communication and business strategy.
Remember, it's not going to be easy, but with determination and the right approach, you can land that dream internship. Good luck!
Sources: Freshmen: What to do during your freshman year summer, Banks that offer summer internships to Freshman?, Tips for Getting an internship in Investment Banking as a freshman, As A Soon-To-Be College Freshman, What Should I Do This Fall?
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Try applying to some remote roles for marketing or working at an unpaid internship. You can still learn skills and put stuff on your resume for when you apply to your next internship / ft jobs.
Every field likely has relevant skill sets you can apply to whatever next position you want to work in
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