IBD/PE in Madrid with no Spanish knowledge

Hi everyone,

as the title suggests I am interested in doing an IB or PE internship in Madrid, as I'm going to study there for a semester. Based on my past work experience and current grades I think a internship at the top BBs or PEs is rather unlikely but T2 or T3 could work. My main problem however is that I have very limited to no Spanish knowledge. Do you guys know of any IBs or PEs that don't necessarily require Spanish, or is it a lost cause? I think Alantra is one possibility but are there any others? Thanks in advance! 

 
Most Helpful

I think it's a lost cause as most of IBs regional offices are focused on serving the local market and thus local language skills are required.

You can look through LinkedIn to see if there are exceptions. I would say it's more likely to join an IB in their London office, learn Spanish (in your free time) and ask to be transferred in a couple of years to their Madrid office. It would still be difficult as they always prefer native speakers.

 

It’s almost impossible. Most Spanish IB guys speak just enough English to get by, but don’t want to have to speak it all the time in the office. These roles are very competitive as well, and there is plenty of Spanish/LatAm talent to pick from. Your best bet would be to find an American working at a boutique and try to network.

Source: did SA in Madrid

 

Ullam praesentium esse sapiente illo necessitatibus sapiente. Corrupti explicabo voluptate illum maiores eum.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Blackstone Group 99.0%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.4%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 97.9%
  • Bain Capital 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.4%
  • Ardian 97.9%
  • Bain Capital 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.5%
  • Bain Capital 99.0%
  • Blackstone Group 98.4%
  • Warburg Pincus 97.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (22) $569
  • Vice President (92) $362
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (91) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (206) $268
  • 1st Year Associate (388) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (29) $154
  • 2nd Year Analyst (83) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (246) $122
  • Intern/Summer Associate (32) $82
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (315) $59
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

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...”