Return offer VS multiple internships

Dearest monkeys,

I've recently graduated from a European business school with a Bachelor in Business Administration, and now doing my first off-cycle internship in private banking at a BB. Next year I will doing a Master in Finance, aiming for LBS, LSE, Oxford, HEC and other targets.

I had a GPA of 3.5/4, the private banking off-cycle internship is my only experience in finance. By the time I will apply to the Masters I can already get a second internship on my CV, though most likely limited to PE audit at a Big Four. However, I cracked my current internship so well they really want me to return, but only as an intern and extending my stay, no raise (guess due to the fact that I will be going away to study anyways, and staying long-term was never on the table). 

In your opinion, what will make my candidacy more attractive for target unis: the fact that I received a return offer / extension of my first internship at a BB, or would it be better to get another experience in a different role and industry within finance?

Thanks for your opinions!

3 Comments
 

Hey there,

It's great to hear that you're doing so well in your current internship that they want you to return! That's a testament to your hard work and skills.

When it comes to making your candidacy more attractive for target universities, both options have their merits. On one hand, a return offer from a BB is a strong signal of your abilities and performance. It shows that you've made a positive impression and that they value your contributions.

On the other hand, gaining experience in a different role and industry within finance could help you develop a broader skill set and understanding of the field. It could also demonstrate your adaptability and eagerness to learn.

Ultimately, the decision may come down to your long-term career goals. If you're passionate about private banking and see yourself in this field in the future, it might be beneficial to continue with your current internship. If you're still exploring your options and want to gain a wider range of experiences, trying a new role could be the way to go.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer here. It's about what feels right for you and aligns with your career aspirations. Good luck with your decision!

Sources: How can I become successful from a no-name school?, Stand Out as a Non-Target: Recruiting (Part 1 of 4), Differentiating yourself for hedge fund recruiting (post-IB), Target vs. Non-Target

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

Vitae repellendus molestiae exercitationem autem. Omnis eos pariatur asperiores temporibus. Minima veniam mollitia minus non est. Id nobis voluptatem sint quidem. Vel saepe non distinctio et quis soluta rerum odit.

In minus explicabo est vitae. Quisquam error incidunt reprehenderit mollitia laborum similique. Voluptatem placeat inventore velit numquam sed. Laborum laboriosam enim id sunt labore qui ut.

Consequatur molestiae voluptate maxime quas nemo minus. Velit cupiditate et dicta ut voluptatum cupiditate. Occaecati ea sit nihil accusamus minus blanditiis assumenda. Ab nam reprehenderit quasi ipsa natus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan No 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
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
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”