Internships during school year + advice for a rising sophomore

Hey guys I’m a rising sophomore at a T20 wanting to go into IB/PE or consulting, just trying not to feel like I’m already dreadfully behind my peers. I’ve seen many of them doing internships during the school year and I wanted to ask how this works: what are the job titles to look for if you want a part-time school-year internship? Do you need to network for these as much as you typically do for junior summer internships? Is it worth it to take on this work on top of demanding coursework and extracurriculars?

Overall I’m just feeling lost and under the impression I’ve already trailed behind everyone else at my school. My freshman year, I didn’t get into one of the competitive pipeline finance clubs we have here so I feel like I should be making up for that, but at this point I feel so uninformed (about the industry, market news, different companies) when compared to people I’ve talked to.

6 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know about internships during the school year and advice for a rising sophomore:

Internships During the School Year

  1. Job Titles to Look For:

    • Part-Time Analyst/Intern: Many firms offer part-time roles specifically designed for students.
    • Research Assistant: Often available in finance or consulting firms.
    • Financial Analyst Intern: Common in smaller firms or boutiques.
    • Consulting Intern: Available in consulting firms, sometimes under different titles like "Junior Consultant."
  2. Networking:

    • Importance: Networking is crucial, even for part-time roles. It helps you get your foot in the door and learn about opportunities that may not be widely advertised.
    • Approach: Use your school's career office, attend industry events, and connect with alumni. Email professionals in the field and ask for informational interviews.
  3. Balancing Work and Coursework:

    • Worth It: Taking on a part-time internship can be highly beneficial. It provides practical experience, enhances your resume, and helps you build a professional network.
    • Time Management: Ensure you can handle the workload. Prioritize your academics and extracurriculars, and only take on an internship if you can manage it without compromising your grades.

Advice for a Rising Sophomore

  1. Feeling Behind:

    • Perspective: It's common to feel behind, but remember that everyone progresses at their own pace. Focus on what you can control and take proactive steps to catch up.
    • Action Plan: Start by gaining any relevant experience, even if it's not directly in IB/PE or consulting. Any finance-related role can be a stepping stone.
  2. Making Up for Lost Time:

    • Internships: Aim for a finance-related internship post-sophomore year. This will position you well for junior year internships.
    • Extracurriculars: Join finance or consulting clubs, even if they are not the most competitive ones. Leadership roles in any club can be valuable.
    • Self-Education: Stay informed about the industry. Read financial news, follow market trends, and learn about different companies.
  3. Networking and Resources:

    • Career Office: Utilize your school's career services. They can provide guidance, resources, and connections.
    • Alumni Network: Reach out to alumni working in your target industries. They can offer advice and potentially refer you to opportunities.
    • Online Resources: Use platforms like Wall Street Oasis, LinkedIn, and other finance forums to learn and network.

Additional Tips

  • Persistence: Keep applying and networking, even if you face rejections. Persistence is key in competitive fields.
  • Skill Development: Focus on developing relevant skills, such as financial modeling, Excel, and analytical skills. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops.

By following these steps, you can effectively navigate your sophomore year and set yourself up for success in securing internships and eventually a full-time role in IB/PE or consulting.

Sources: Should I Slow Down?, Entry-Level Natural Gas Scheduler, Some advice on getting a job or internship by Monty09, No IB offers for the summer...what now?, Need direction in life

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I did one of these in school internships and would probably recommend against it as a sophomore. Realistically, IB recruiting is a 5th and even 6th class depending on how many networking calls you do.

taking on an internship will just make it that much harder to keep up in school, and is stress you do not need.

If you didn’t do anything fincne related this summer or don’t have anything finance related on your resume u might need to.

I’d start by getting in to the finance club at your school this year. And actually DEDICATING yourself to learning technicals.

If you feel behind why don’t u start reading the news? Googling good podcasts to listen to? Newsletters to read etc.

Take some initiative - this process is not rocket science so just start somewhere with learning

 
Most Helpful

Thanks for all that!

I’m for sure going to start reading up on stuff and learning more on the technical side of things. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said it isn’t rocket science - I’ve been so daunted by how much it seems like there is to learn and know in order to even be a competitive candidate that I’ve been putting it off. I listen to some of the WSJ podcasts and try to read the GS weekly briefings. Any other resources you suggest? (Not just for news but also for technicals)

 

Understand abt feeling overwhelmed, I felt the same way.

Truthfully don’t need anything other than the BIWS guides. Can def find on line

Ibvine.io for flash cards

Listen to Wall Street breakfast, thoughts on the market, Morningbrew

Other than that I think something people really struggle with is UNDERSTANDING what bankers, specifically analysts actually do. Know the sell side MA process in and out. Know how to run through an IPO - ie. Bakeoff, creating narrative for company, meetings w investors, pricing, mkt.

Just talk to lots of alumns

 

A doloribus omnis quo totam inventore rem fugiat voluptatem. Dolorum iste occaecati occaecati explicabo cum. Ad eum qui delectus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (78) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (72) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”