Would it be asinine to email boutiques asking if they take interns?

I just finished my freshman year, and I am starting to consider beginning my sophomore year internship search. This year, I will be interning at a boutique wealth management firm, and I have been networking for junior year internships at BBs for IB.

I don't qualify for diversity sophomore programs, so I am looking at alumni who run regional boutiques without any summer analyst programs. Would it be bad to straight up ask them if they take interns? Obviously, I'd be more formal when asking.

I'd do unpaid.

Region
4 Comments
 

Completely valid - the whole "acceptable schmoozing process" is just an additional filtering layer needed for established banks with thousands and thousands of applicants. With very small boutiques, it is 100% acceptable to politely ask about taking interns. Of course, the email should also convey that you've done your diligence, can speak to the strengths of the firm, and are genuinely interested.

 

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