Looking for MBB/IB/PE related PT/SA/SW as an EUR 1st year student
Hi guys,
I'm a first-year international student (with EU passport) at Erasmus University Rotterdam, studying International Business Administration bachelor. I'm dreaming about MBB/IB/PE career in London. After finishing my bachelor's, I'm planning to get an MSc in Finance from a top-tier UK uni (LSE/Oxbridge).
I'm looking for anything that would allow me to gain experience in MBB/IB/PE related field (part-time job, spring week or summer internship). Maybe someone was in a similar situation and has some tips on how to build a solid resume (that will be useful when applying for a job in London) while studying in Nehterlands.
Thank you in advance.
Hey there,
Sounds like you've got a solid plan in place! Here's a few tips to help you build a strong resume while studying in the Netherlands:
1) Start by reaching out to boutique firms in your area for internships, even if they're unpaid. This will give you some hands-on experience and a taste of the industry.
2) Apply to SA 2020 positions over this spring and summer. This will give you a chance to work in a larger firm and gain more experience.
3) Don't forget to mention your study abroad program and your double major in your resume. This shows that you're well-rounded and have a diverse set of skills.
4) If you can, try to secure an internship in investment consulting or asset management. This will give you a broader understanding of the finance industry and make you more attractive to potential employers.
5) Lastly, don't be afraid to use your network. Reach out to alumni from your school who are working in the industry, attend networking events, and make connections. You never know who might be able to help you land your dream job.
Remember, the journey to landing a job in MBB/IB/PE can be a long one, but with hard work and persistence, you'll get there. Good luck!
Sources: ¿PE/IB/MBB opportunities Spain?, Missed SA 2019 recruiting - delay graduation for SA 2020?, Undergrad MM PE or IB, London 2021 SA for an intl student
Hi there,
A career in IB/MBB/PE is very prestigious and understandably, many peers in your cohort are aiming for this path. A tip in hindsight from me: I'd first suggest taking some time to really evaluate if this is the life you would like to live. I personally have seen several peers in your program later regret these career choices out of WLB.
Having said that, there are many things that you could explore to make it into that path. The program you are doing generally places you well for such a career as well as a masters if you manage to hit below points:
- 8.0/10+ GPA (try to achieve this with no retakes and get cum laude as well)
- strong 'brand name' internships under your belt by the time you are applying
- several extracurriculars (I will elaborate below)
As you are a first year, focus first on getting your GPA past the above threshold as it will help immensely in your initial internship search. In your second year you may tackle the other two points. If your goal for now is to get into the masters, there is not too much for you to worry about as a good GPA and minimal experience could already give you an okay chance at T1 UK unis.
If you want to hugely increase your chances/set up for a career already, then I would suggest for you to orientate on an internship during the summer (and also use your credits in your third year for the internship and not the minor). Assuming you have come fresh out of high school, your first internship can realistically be anywhere doing anything just for the experience, after which you may try a shot at bigger fish. The ideal scenario would be if you can have at least 1 'unrelated' starter internship and 1 related internship before applying for postgrad programs (more always better).
In addition to that, extracurriculars play a huge role in the Dutch uni labor market as many of these organizations keep good ties with the corporate world. Consider, if interested in consulting, to join one of the student consultancy societies (think Rotterdam Consulting Club, Young Advisory Group, The Kleine Consultant, 180 degrees consulting etc). You may also take up a committee or board position within the uni's associations (think FSR/B&R/STAR etc). The ideal scenario is for you to gain this experience (or two of them) AFTER your first internship as it will propel your chances at a intern spot at a 'better' firm.
A 'better' firm could be:
- Top multinationals in Rotterdam (Shell, Unilever, P&G etc)
- MMs/the three Dutch banks ING/ABN/Rabobank
- non-MBBs such as Roland Berger, Simon Kucher, Accenture, Big 4
If you are really feeling it, you may also apply to MBB/BBs/EBs in Amsterdam. You can also apply for a working studentship at some of these firms.
With all this in mind, you are also in college. Live a little, go out and have fun and enjoy your time in Rotterdam! Good luck!
Thanks for your valuable, extensive answer! What do you mean by 'working studentships'? Do you mean a part-time job? If so, do you know how to apply?
Working studentships are indeed basically a part-time job. These offer great flexibility compared to an internship and are relatively easy to land as an undergrad. You can think of them as a part-time internship, where you dedicate 2 days in the week for it. The rest you use to follow your degree. They vary in length but expect to be at a firm for at least 4 months.
A great start for your career is at working studentship of one of the Big 4 or a T2/3 consulting firm (examples above). You can find these vacancies on their website.
Ensure your grades are strong and you have taken classes in the subject matter.
If you are going down the consulting path, try at one of the consulting firms or the strategy arms of the Big 4 firms.
If you are dreaming of becoming an investment banker, start to apply in either the M&A teams or the TAS (Transaction Advisory Services) teams of the Big 4.
Both will then give you an edge in your pursuit for a top tier masters or a career in MBB/IB/PE.
Fugit sequi ipsum rem voluptatem provident quia natus. Qui et dignissimos debitis vero accusamus. Eligendi ab ut dolor eos aut dolorem asperiores. Id in aut unde nihil officiis.
Vero aut voluptates quod ducimus accusamus qui accusantium. Tempore asperiores eaque et voluptatum eius ratione esse. Reprehenderit iure ratione fugiat laboriosam quis debitis.
Quis sed vitae et illum accusamus sunt. Rerum consectetur minus numquam aliquam omnis voluptatem. Delectus deleniti incidunt dolores nemo iusto ipsa eligendi. Libero similique et enim non alias iusto.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...