I'm currently a Freshmen trying to network for a PWM internship around my area. I've sent LinkedIn messages asking for some time on the phone about my interests in the industry but not getting anything. My number 1 goal right now is to transfer to a better school next year but I definitely want to try something in finance this Summer. Should I just reach out to them by email or just straight up email the bank asking if they are willing to take on an un-pain intern? My goal is to work in IB.
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Please anyone?
Linkedin sucks for connecting with people. Find them on LinkedIn, send an email using RocketReach, and pass along a resume. The vast majority of people will not respond, but you can try to connect with a lot of people.
Say what you can do for them. Don't give them any additional reason to think of you as a burden, because interns are a time-suck. You have to propose some value. Yes, it's essential to show genuine interest in the work, but you need to demonstrate some competencies.
Also, you're a freshman. If it's doable for you, get a decently relaxing job or take classes and spend some time with your friends. Finance will be there for you in due time, but there's only so many opportunities you have left for just having fun.
In all honesty I've been wanting to lifeguard this Summer since I didn't have the chance too last Summer lol. Passed my test and everything, wouldn't mind being in the sun all day. I just want to be very prepared for Junior SA recruiting since I'm at a big disadvantage already
Are you being taken seriously? Hard to tell with just the information you provided... has anyone emailed/said anything on the phone to you to make you think so? The fact that people took time out of their busy days to talk to you on the phone indicates to me you are being taken seriously.
As far as your long term goals, Freshman->Sophomore year summer tends not to be important in the long run - I know plenty of people who landed top Junior Year SA gigs that didn't do anything finance related/professional career-y at all Freshman year summer. Getting your extracurriculars down, transferring schools (in your case), maintaining a high GPA, and proving your interest in finance to tell your "story" are much more important Freshman year. The only thing (IMO) thats really important about Freshman->Sophomore year summer is that you don't do nothing. Wait tables, work at a camp, take classes, or do something interesting (Study abroad program, meaningful volunteer work, etc.) so you don't look lazy or entitled worst case scenario.
Thanks for the response. I do currently work part time, and make good money as a student but it's a really irrelevant job. I guess transferring to a better school will truly open up my opportunities. Travelling is a nice option since I got some cash saved up aswell
This is a numbers game. Do you have a number of firms/people you've reached out to? It may take a hundred or more people before you get a bite. I second the guy above about passing on a resume and offering something you can do for them. Keep on playing numbers on LinkedIn and cold emails. Keep a spreadsheet and follow up once or twice if you don't hear back. And don't be afraid to reach out to small local boutique firms.
There are a couple boutiques near me, I guess I'll aim higher and just give it a go. Thanks a lot!
I can grab their emails using the format list on here, but do you think I should directly reach out to the company or the individual VP/MD/Analyst?
Reach out directly to the analysts and tell them that you want to hear their story, learn about their experiences. If you feel confident, you could try MD or VP. But an analyst is the perfect target because its closer to your age and will easily sympathize with you. Be a listener and frank about what you want, if they like you then they will bump your resume to someone with hiring power. If you don't get a referral you will at least get some guidance on how to improve your resume. The only way to get better at this is by practicing. So cold email/talk to as many people as you can.
Awesome, thank you!
I second this about reaching out to analysts. They are your best resource. They know other analysts who know other analysts who might know of an opening. A lot of times the VPs/MDs/higher ups will either ignore your email or will ask one of their analysts to talk to you.
Do you think they will frown down that I'm a Freshmen at a terrible school?
Honestly, it's going to depend on the person. I've worked with people who will immediately look at the school and make a snap judgment and others who will hire the guy parking their car if they like them (an exaggeration, but you get the point).
I would focus on asking analysts to share how they got their jobs and internships. Usually that leads right into the question of how you can go about getting similar jobs and internships. More often than not they will be willing to help you by passing along names of people to talk to or places that would be open to freshman interns.
I'm not sure how "terrible" your school truly is, but trying to network with people who are where you want to be but came from an unconventional background can be helpful. These people found ways over similar hurdles and can give you more relevant advice.
If you really are set on getting an internship this summer, as someone stated above, the time to relax and have fun is quickly closing, any type of internship in finance is a good step forward. It'll show you're interested in the field, you'll have experiences to draw off of for your interviews next year and will create good references for the future.
Update: Got a potential winner now!
In a word: No.
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