No Internship this summer - What can I do to prepare for next recruitment round?

To maximize your summer and prepare for the next recruitment round, here’s a game plan based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Build Technical Skills

• Take Online Courses: Enroll in financial modeling courses like the WSO Elite Modeling Package, which includes Excel, financial statement modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, and valuation modeling. These are foundational for finance roles.
• Excel Mastery: Focus on Excel modeling courses to improve your efficiency and technical skills, as these are critical for internships.
• Read Key Books: Dive into books like Investment Banking by Rosenbaum and Pearl, especially the LBO and valuation chapters, to strengthen your technical knowledge.

2. Stay Informed

• Podcasts and News: While working your warehouse job, listen to finance-related podcasts like WSJ What's News or newsletters like Morning Brew to stay updated on market trends and news. This will help you sound informed during interviews.
• Read Forums: Spend time on WSO forums and Mergers & Inquisitions to learn about the industry, interview tips, and career paths.

3. Network Strategically

• Reach Out to Alumni: Use LinkedIn to connect with alumni from your university who are in finance roles. Request informational interviews to learn about their experiences and seek advice.
• Join Clubs: If your university has an investment or finance club, join and aim for a leadership position to demonstrate commitment and initiative.

4. Gain Relevant Experience

• Freelance or Volunteer: Look for opportunities to assist with financial analysis, bookkeeping, or other finance-related tasks for small businesses or non-profits.
• Stock Pitch Practice: Create a stock pitch or financial analysis project to showcase your interest and skills. Use templates available on WSO to guide you.

5. Prepare for Behavioral Interviews

• Practice Storytelling: Develop strong answers for behavioral questions by reflecting on your experiences and structuring responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Mock Interviews: Consider scheduling mock interviews through WSO to refine your responses and gain confidence.

6. Leverage Your Summer Job

• Highlight transferable skills from your warehouse job, such as teamwork, time management, and problem-solving, in your resume and interviews.

7. Polish Your Resume

• Use WSO’s investment banking resume template to ensure your CV is formatted correctly and highlights your most relevant skills and experiences.

By combining these efforts, you’ll not only enhance your technical and behavioral skills but also position yourself as a more competitive candidate for the next recruitment cycle. Keep pushing forward—your hard work will pay off!

Sources: Two Internships Later: What I wish I Knew While Recruiting! (Toronto), In Search of Wisdom, LevFin preparation for virtual internship, The Economics of an Unpaid Internship, Freshmen: What to do during your freshman year summer