How are Nepo Internships Viewed?

Curious how obviously nepo internships are viewed when analysts are screening resumes when deciding to hand out first rounds. Asking because there’s a kid at my school who interned at Tiger Global in high school and Silver Lake freshman summer, and another kid who interned at a MF in Asia their freshman summer. Don’t know how I’m supposed to compete against these kids in resume screens when they’re handed internships through nepotism.

5 Comments
 

They don’t really matter. Bankers generally understand the situation.

I had no IB/PE/related experience prior to my junior banking internship and it made no difference. Just do something during your summers. 

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, nepotism in internships is a reality, and it can create an uneven playing field. However, when analysts screen resumes, they often look beyond just the "big names" on the resume. While a nepo internship might catch attention, it doesn't guarantee success in the recruiting process. Analysts are trained to assess the substance behind the experience. For example:

  1. Relevance of Work Done: If the internship experience doesn't demonstrate meaningful contributions or relevant skills, it might not hold as much weight.
  2. Consistency and Progression: A resume showing consistent effort, relevant internships, and skill-building over time can still stand out.
  3. Networking and Fit: Networking remains a critical factor. Even if someone has a flashy internship, they still need to connect with people and prove they’re a good fit for the team.

Ultimately, while nepotism can open doors, it doesn’t guarantee a win. Focus on building your own story, networking effectively, and showcasing your skills and drive.

Sources: Two Internships Later: What I wish I Knew While Recruiting! (Toronto), Recruitment Set Back To "Normal", Allen & Co. - An In-Depth Review, Filtering resumes - what I looked for when screening 200+ resumes, Interview with a Senior Software Developer for a Prop Trading Firm

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

In my experience interviewing candidates it comes down to how well those experiences have taught them. In pure resume screens it is helpful because they are likely to have better experience, but in face to face interviews they have to meet a higher standard. It essentially evens out because the expectation is higher. Hope this help!

 

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