How are family office internships percieved?

Specifically for sophomore summer, does interning at a relatively unknown family office with no online presence put someone at a disadvantage compared to more traditional internships? (Also the fact that interviewers may assume that I got the position through nepotism which isn't true) Assuming that there will be quality work experience to speak to in interviews and to put as bullet points on their resume. Family office does equities, FI, real/alternative assets.

Would appreciate any advice as I'm trying to decide on offers

3 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, interning at a family office, even if it's relatively unknown, can still provide valuable experience. However, there are a few things to consider:

  1. The CIO's background: This can give you an idea of the kind of leadership and mentorship you might expect.

  2. The investment committee structure: This can impact the kind of exposure and learning opportunities you might have.

  3. Family involvement: If family members are heavily involved, it might influence the office dynamics and your experience.

  4. Your current skill level: If you're still learning the ropes, a more structured environment might be beneficial. On the other hand, if you're ready to stretch your wings, a family office could provide that opportunity.

Remember, it's not just about the name of the firm but the experience you gain. If you can demonstrate that you've gained relevant skills and experience, it can still be a valuable stepping stone in your career. However, perception of nepotism can be a concern, so it's important to be able to articulate the value of your experience and the skills you've gained during your time there.

As for your sophomore summer, getting an internship in finance can be a huge leg up. It can lead to better projects as a junior, and eventually, analyst. So, weigh your options carefully and choose the one that aligns best with your career goals. Remember, the world (of finance) is your oyster!

Sources: Family Office Private Equity, What do sophomores usually do for internships?, Allen & Co. - An In-Depth Review

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

Sit excepturi aspernatur iste sit autem. Recusandae ut eius expedita sit officia qui tenetur. A aut vitae nihil explicabo.

Tempora et sint iusto perferendis iusto qui. Et molestiae sint id aperiam ullam aut exercitationem eligendi. Aspernatur et nobis sit quos aut voluptate. Quae eum qui voluptates quia.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”