Is this internship opportunity worth it? Senior deciding between BB and potentially PE

I was just called in for an interview at a smaller PE firm (the firm is legit, not a chop shop). I was deciding if this fall internship opportunity (meaning fall of this year as in right now) is worth it.

The responsibilities include:

  • Perform necessary research and writing in support of the preparation of fundraising materials for Real Estate and Hospitality Fund II • Analyze market information, property reports, and financial performance of potential acquisition opportunities • Help track the performance of portfolio investments and participate in related management meetings • Support client assignments for financial advisory practice

The catch is the internship is for 10 weeks and unpaid except for a small bonus at the end depending on how many hours you work. The description doesn't say anything about having the opportunity to join full-time after the internship is over.

I also have some BB Alternative Investment and Equities Sales/Trading full-time opportunities on the horizon that might be able to work out.

I was thinking if for nothing else, the firm's founders are very well connected and have extremely prestigious experience at the giant PE shops and top groups in the top BBs. Unfortunately, with all this interviewing my grades are bound to take a hit (nothing too major though) but I was thinking this private equity internship could show continued perseverance in the field.

Lastly, how would this experience look for MBA admissions down the road?

3 Comments
 

I would be hesitant to take an unpaid internship before senior year if you don't think there is the prospect of it turning into a FT offer. However, you are just doing a first round interview so I would say cross that bridge when you come to it, and ask the interviewer if they think there is a chance of it turning into a FT offer. Sounds like the experience would be legit though.

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