International tech startup internship to banking possible?

I'm going to be working abroad for a tech startup in Hong Kong, effective end of this month, for at least six months.

Does anyone have experience or know of someone who went from a tech startup background/internship to IB/PE? I'm really interested in breaking in to those avenues but have had no luck. I have three years of FP&A experience that I want to leave behind and not build on. I've had an interview for an analyst position at a boutique that I unfortunately didn't end up getting, but managed to get on my own with no outside help. I majored in finance at a non-target and my GPA was anything but stellar (low 3's).

I'm doing this because I don't think it could hurt me in any way and is much better than what I'm currently doing. I was just curious if management at banks would look at this as a plus and somewhat valuable.

ChicagoCT

11 Comments
 

Keep in mind that with these kinds of questions, it's all subjective...

That being said, it seems like a cool opportunity. As a freshman, just getting an internship looks good because most of your friends will be mowing the neighbors lawns, playing xbox, and drinking mountain dew all day (or was that only me?). Just be able to articulate why you chose that over something more finance related, what you actually accomplish during the internship, what you did in your free-time abroad, etc.

 
 

Any work experience is good work experience during your Freshman summer and an opp to work abroad will be beneficial from a personal growth perspective and will serve as a good conversation starter.

I am certainly envious of people on the board who are so pro-active during their college summers. I spent my college summers coaching soccer and working at my family's hockey rinks. Good luck.

 

Definitely take it. Most freshmen just chill out in the summer and work at baskin robbins scooping ice cream. Any internship experience is great. But for sophomore year get something finance related. If you attend a target school and have excellent grades with internship experience you will be a good candidate.

 
  1. like others have said, mention the tech experience is good for tech focused firms in sf. I don't think you should create another version of resume because i doubt you have one page of experience to write about in finance research

  2. chronological.

Do a lot networking and you will be fine.

 

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