How to get a head start

To get a head start on securing an internship in consulting or investment banking, here’s a roadmap based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Leverage Your Network Early

• Your boarding school connections are a goldmine. Start reaching out to alumni who are in consulting or investment banking. Use LinkedIn or your school’s alumni network to set up informational interviews.
• Focus on building genuine relationships. Don’t just ask for opportunities—ask for advice, insights, and their career stories.

2. Excel Academically

• At Wharton, your GPA will matter. Aim for a 3.8+ GPA, especially in quantitative and business-related courses. Consulting and IB recruiters often use GPA as a filter.

3. Develop Relevant Skills

• For consulting: Familiarize yourself with frameworks like MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) and practice case interviews early. Resources like Victor Cheng’s Case Interview Secrets or WSO’s Consulting Prep materials can help.
• For investment banking: Learn financial modeling and valuation techniques. WSO’s Financial Modeling Course is a great starting point.

4. Secure High-Impact Internships

• During your freshman and sophomore summers, aim for internships that showcase leadership, analytical skills, or brand-name experience. These don’t have to be in consulting or IB yet—think roles in startups, non-profits, or even research positions.

5. Start Networking at Wharton

• Join consulting and finance clubs. These organizations often host networking events, case competitions, and workshops with top firms.
• Attend on-campus recruiting events and coffee chats. Firms like McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and top banks actively recruit at Wharton.

6. Prepare for Interviews Early

• For consulting: Start practicing case interviews by your sophomore year. Join a case practice group or find a case partner.
• For IB: Focus on technical and behavioral interview prep. WSO’s IB Interview Course is a great resource.

7. Showcase Leadership and Initiative

• Take on leadership roles in clubs or organizations. Consulting and IB firms value candidates who demonstrate initiative and the ability to lead teams.

8. Stay Solution-Oriented

• Whether in networking, internships, or interviews, always approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. This is a key trait firms look for, especially in consulting.

9. Highlight Your Unique Background

• As a Latino, first-generation student, your story is a differentiator. Use it to your advantage in applications and interviews to showcase resilience, adaptability, and a unique perspective.

10. Keep Building Relationships

• Stay in touch with your connections. Follow up every few months with updates or questions. This keeps you on their radar for future opportunities.

By starting early and following these steps, you’ll position yourself as a strong candidate for top consulting and IB internships. Good luck, and remember—success is a marathon, not a sprint!

Sources: What should I do as an undergrad if I want to work for Mckinsey?, Q&A: 5 Things you can do to help convert your internship to an offer in Consulting, Q&A: 5 Things you can do to help convert your internship to an offer in Consulting