How to be a good intern

When you get to your summer internship, it's realllllyyyy important you get a sense for how the firm is structured. What're the partners incentives? How do they make money? Why do they do the things that they do? Why are some things important to them while others not so much? Why do people matter? Why does everyone do what they do? WHY?

If you can answer these questions, then you'll go from being a good intern, to being on who "gets it." Getting it is hard to define but you know it when you see it. See a few steps in the value chain. Don't be complacent. Don’t wait for the Manna to fall from the sky in Egypt.

Become a mini partner. Your whole life while there should revolve around becoming your boss, your boss’s boss, and ultimately a partner. Have that executive presence. Have that prowess. Have that confidence. Have no fear, take no shit. You're there to grow.

It will get hard and frustrating. You will spin your wheels having no clue how to do certain tasks. In difficult times, remind yourself. Why?

Why am I struggling? Why is my boss being a dick to me? Why am I unhappy?

A lot of these questions can be answered by looking outwards rather than within. Your boss’s ass is on the line if they fuck up a deliverable you're sending them. The firm might lose a bidding war if you're slow with your analysis. A lot is on the line always. It's important to anticipate, overcommunicate, be responsive, and be bout that action. Do all that and you'll be successful, maybe even secure a return offer.

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To excel as an intern and secure a return offer, focus on these key principles:

  1. Understand the Firm's Structure and Incentives:

    • Learn how the firm operates, how partners make money, and what drives their decisions.
    • Grasp why certain tasks or priorities matter to them and how they align with the firm's goals.
  2. Adopt a "Mini-Partner" Mindset:

    • Strive to emulate the qualities of your boss and senior leaders.
    • Develop executive presence, confidence, and a proactive attitude.
    • Take ownership of your work and aim to think a few steps ahead in the value chain.
  3. Anticipate and Overcommunicate:

    • Be proactive in identifying potential issues or needs before they arise.
    • Keep your team informed about your progress and any challenges you face.
  4. Stay Resilient During Challenges:

    • When tasks feel overwhelming, remind yourself of the bigger picture and the stakes involved.
    • Understand that your boss's pressure often stems from their own responsibilities and deadlines.
  5. Be Action-Oriented and Responsive:

    • Act quickly and efficiently, ensuring your work is accurate and timely.
    • Show that you are reliable and can be trusted with critical tasks.

By embodying these traits and maintaining a growth-oriented mindset, you'll not only perform well but also position yourself as a valuable asset to the team.

Sources: Q&A: 5 Things you can do to help convert your internship to an offer in Consulting, Advice for summer and return offer rate?, Advice on how to perform well during a virtual summer internship, Q&A: Former MBB Consultant, Q&A: 5 Things you can do to help convert your internship to an offer in Consulting

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