Sophomore Internship - Need Advice

I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I'm a first year of a 3 year program in the UK at a decent semi target there (think Bristol/Durham/Exeter) and am an international student from North America.

Truth is I didn't know much about the finance industry (I study law) until a few months ago and since then have been interested in gaining experience in IB/PE/VC/HF etc., ideally so that I can apply to 2023 SA positions in London or APAC with some finance experience. I missed out on spring weeks.

I would also if possible would want to stay in North America this summer due to some family reasons. I split time between US West coast & Canadian East coast (toronto) and am wondering as to what's the best course of action to possibly cold email LMM PE/IB boutiques/small HF etc.

I obviously expect anything i'm able to get at this point in the year would be unpaid, but what should I shoot for and what's realistic? I would assume the worst case scenario would be getting a search fund internship but I would also assume a boutique bank/small HF/LMM PE firm it would be a better position? Also, how exactly should I go about doing the contact process (ie cold emails)? How realistic is it for a firm to give someone in my position some experience this late?

I'd appreciate any info regarding how to approach this before it's too late.

Also just wanna say that WSO has been a huge resource and i've never seen a community where professionals give authentic feedback like this so willingly, so thanks to the users for providing me with such a valuable resource for a noob like me.

 
Most Helpful

If you're in the states, focus on getting a search fund. You need to understand that as a total non-target in america with 0 relevant xp/major that you need to start from the bottom up and make yourself competitve. A search fund is an excellent launchpad and addition to the CV. You can still reach out to regional funds/PE firms ofc but I'd say the SF option is the most realistic.

Sucks you have to stay in the states, you wouldn't be that much behind a lot of your cohort for UK summer/spring applications (which you can still do in america since you go to uni in the UK). Buff out the CV, say you're doing a year abroad (don't actually do a year abroad, this is just a method to extend your perceived graduation date) and apply to spring weeks again. 

 

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