Seeking Advice on FT 2024 Recruiting

Didn't manage to secure a formal intern program for this summer at any of the BBs, unfortunately. However, managed to get an informal internship at an extremely prestigious HF over the summer through a connection. Essentially won't be part of the formal intern program, but will be working and honestly getting more exposure than I might through a regular program due to the unstructured nature of it. On the flip side, I also have an offer with with a non-Finance company, not necessarily what I would like to do straight out of college, but very stable and as long as I do well in the role, likely to get a FT offer. 

My main worry is the uncertainty with FT recruiting. I know return offers are never guaranteed, but in this case a return offer definitely isn't guaranteed at the HF. However, I really believe that the brand name would give me a huge boost, and I was planning on recruiting FT for both this company and others.

Is the gamble at the HF worth it, or do I go for the most stable option? If I take the HF offer, is there anything I should focus on from now on that will set myself up for success? Would appreciate any advice possible.

1 Comments
 

Qui nulla assumenda autem expedita. Tempora nam eligendi architecto consequuntur magnam qui perspiciatis. Nemo dolores facere facere beatae rerum omnis.

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

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
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...”