How do I find smaller investment firms to intern at?

Take advantage of LinkedIn. Start by doing a google search on firms in your desired area/group. Once you find one in the market size you’re targeting, go search them up on LinkedIn. Request to connect with 1-2 folks there, and if you get the connection, cold email them (bankers will usually list a personal they can be reached at if you click that contact info card on their profile). Will mention this if you’re not already aware, do NOT copy and paste the same exact message to send both of them nor should you email them at the same time.

Once you do this for that one firm, when you’re on their company page on LinkedIn there’s usually a section titled ‘similar companies’ somewhere on the side bar. More than likely they are the same size, so go through those company pages as well and repeat the process. Should be able to find quite a few firms doing this.

Obviously do your DD to make sure it’s a legit firm, fits your profile, etc. but this was something I found very beneficial in helping me find a banking internship my sophomore summer. Was a small MM bank, but well respected within its industry. A lot of these types of firms won’t have a structured internship program in place, so it comes down to your pitch as well as timing of course. Hope that helps.