Interning at BB with College Finance degree. Where to start?

To maximize your chances of securing a full-time offer during your BB internship, preparation is key. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a roadmap to get you started:

1. Strengthen Your Technical Knowledge

• Learn Financial Modeling: Familiarize yourself with Excel and financial modeling basics. Practice building models like DCFs, LBOs, and comparable company analyses.
• Brush Up on Accounting: Understand basic accounting principles, such as financial statements, journal entries, and key metrics.
• Study Investment Banking Concepts: Use resources like WSO guides, Investopedia, or even YouTube to learn about valuation methods, M&A processes, and capital markets.

2. Practice Interview and Behavioral Skills

• Behavioral Techniques: Be ready to articulate your transition from government work to finance. Highlight transferable skills like analytical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
• Mock Interviews: Practice answering common IB behavioral and technical questions. This will help you feel confident when interacting with senior bankers or during evaluations.

3. Network Strategically

• Build Relationships Early: Reach out to alumni or professionals at the BB where you’ll intern. Set up informational calls to understand the culture and expectations.
• Leverage Rotations: During the internship, network across different teams. This will help you identify the group you want to join full-time and build rapport with decision-makers.

4. Develop Soft Skills

• Communication: Work on clear and concise communication, as it’s critical when presenting to senior bankers or clients.
• Attitude and Work Ethic: Show enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude. These traits are often cited as key to securing a full-time offer.

5. Prepare for the Internship

• Excel Proficiency: Learn shortcuts and formatting to improve efficiency.
• Understand Expectations: Read up on what makes a successful summer analyst. For example, being detail-oriented, proactive, and sociable are often highlighted as crucial traits.

6. Leverage Your Unique Background

• Your government experience can set you apart. Frame it as an asset by emphasizing skills like policy analysis, stakeholder management, or strategic thinking.

By focusing on these areas, you’ll not only increase your finance knowledge but also position yourself as a standout candidate for a full-time offer. Good luck!

Sources: My Four Year Plan, Preparing for an IB internship, Undergrads: Non-finance, non-target, not a problem. 5 Steps to get you started., Non-Target to MM IB: My Advice, Advice for summer and return offer rate?