Is it worth paying for an internship?

I know the title sounds ridiculous but I have no other option. I am looking forward applying to MFin at Bocconi and MIM and HEC paris. I am likely to join a general banking internship which is just a BS. In my country there is hardly 5-10 core finance internship available where I have no chance. Thats why I want to join a internship program where they will teach and train me the followings. In exchange I will be paying an amount. 


Working time flexible, weekly 7-8 hrs
Duration 1 month

Perks:
1) Internship Offer letter
2) Internship completion certificate (after submission of the assignments)
3) Letter of recommendation (Performance based)
 

Should I go for it. Will top masters program even value it much as internship exp? 

8 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

Considerations for Paying for an Internship:

  1. Skill Acquisition:

    • 3 Statement Model: Learning to build P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements from scratch.
    • Forecasting: Understanding how to project future financial performance.
    • Valuation Techniques: DCF and other valuation methods.
    • Business Model Analysis: EIC (Economy, Industry, Company) Analysis, Trend Analysis.
    • Ratio Analysis: Practical application in a company setting.
    • Advanced Forecasting: FCFF, FCFE, CAPM, Beta, DCF Valuation.
    • Stock Market Analysis: Daily news analysis.
  2. Perks:

    • Internship Offer Letter: Formal documentation of your internship.
    • Completion Certificate: Proof of completion upon assignment submission.
    • Letter of Recommendation: Based on performance, which can be valuable for future applications.

Evaluation:

  • Relevance to Top Masters Programs:
    • Bocconi MFin and HEC Paris MiM: Both programs are highly competitive and value practical experience. While traditional internships at well-known firms are preferred, the skills and knowledge you gain from this paid internship could still be beneficial.
    • Skill Development: The specific skills you mentioned are highly relevant to finance roles and could demonstrate your commitment and proactive approach to learning.

Conclusion:

  • Value: If you have no other options and the internship provides substantial learning and practical experience, it could be worth considering. However, be aware that traditional internships at recognized firms are generally more valued.
  • Decision: Weigh the cost against the potential benefits. If the skills and experience gained can significantly enhance your profile and you can afford it, it might be a worthwhile investment.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to demonstrate your capability and readiness for top finance programs and roles.

Sources: European Master in Finance programmes (pre-experience), Columbia B-School NEW Masters program- Opinions? Is it worth it?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/master-in-finance-hec-paris-vs-bocconi-vs-st-gallen?customgpt=1, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/master-europe-suggestions-hec-vs-bocconi?customgpt=1, Hec MiM or Bocconi MSc Finance?

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

Absolutely don’t do this. An “internship” program will never make you pay to be a part of it. This will likely hold no weight in your application as there is no reputation or actual applied skills behind the firm since you wont be performing any of these analyses to facilitate a business function. Equivalent to an investment banking class at univesity. Find a real internship that pays you, or even an unpaid search fund position.

 

As mentioned the only opportunity I might have is to do a internship at a local bank which is just a BS. No learning opportunity or even if there then it is so basic such as client handling,KYC which shares no relevance. Could FMVA be a option for me? I was thinking about it for a long term but was unsure whether it can still compete with on-ground internship experience

 

Wtf is an internship completion certificate? This isn’t a job, this is someone creating a shitty program and calling it an internship. If I really wanted to be pessimistic it is some absolute leech of a search fund getting junior labor and having them pay the company.

Do not do this. You will learn nothing if you are lucky. If you are unlucky you will be taught incorrectly.

You’re better off doing the CFI online program for $300 and networking / studying for standardized tests for masters programs.

 
Most Helpful

Wtf is an internship completion certificate? This isn’t a job, this is someone creating a shitty program and calling it an internship. If I really wanted to be pessimistic it is some absolute leech of a search fund getting junior labor and having them pay the company.

Do not do this. You will learn nothing if you are lucky. If you are unlucky you will be taught incorrectly.

You’re better off doing the CFI online program for $300 and networking / studying for standardized tests for masters programs.

 

TBH I was considering FMVA because I am very less likely to have any finance internship. I have a option for commercial banking but it sounds totally BS to me. Any idea whether an FMVA certificate can be considered a substitute for an internship in terms of strengthening my masters profile? 

 

The only people I have EVER met who paid for their internship were EU/UK based folks who wanted to work in NYC on J1 /w an agency. But that payment included accommodation, training, visa processing fees, appointments, criminal background check, etc excluding flights.

so, yeah.. it might be worth it if you are based in the EU and want to work in NYC with a sponsored J1 through a certified agency.

other than that, no.

 

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