So I will be a freshman this upcoming school year and I am looking to have an investment banking/private equity related internship next summer. I need to make money to live in college but I didn't know what banks/firms would offer a paid internship (it doesn't need to be much, just a few thousand) to a freshman. I do have prior work experience (two summer internships in high school) but not in finance.
What banks/firms should I look at? Any advice?
Thanks.
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Only bank that will take a freshman is Morgan Stanley for one week in their Freshman Enhancement Program. It pays for the week. but is only for diversity kids. (black, Hispanic, gay). If your not one of those then you are SOL for a paid freshman internship at a big bank because they do not exist.
What about any smaller, boutique firms?
Call them up, start networking.
Many small boutique's don't have a set intern schedule, but if you network with the right people they can sometimes get you in.
Pull a Shaun King - you'll be in for sure.
How can they tell if you're gay or not? Can I just tell them I am to get into the diversity program?
This has been discussed recently, but TLDR version: you will get past their corporate gaydar, the people there will be able to tell, as the actual LGBT have stories and experiences only they can relate too.
JP Goldman Stanley has offices on the west coast that have month long rotational programs throughout its different coverage groups. I'd try there
Okay cool, Ill look into JP Morgan, Goldman, and MS on the west coast, thanks.
Nah, "JP Goldman Stanley" is one bank, it's a boutique
your best option is to seek out a PWM group or Boutique IB in your area, it will show that you have a passion for finance when you go to your next interview, be that next year, or junior year. It will be the thing that separates you from everyone else. It is hard getting that first gig, but use family connections and such to try and get something small. better than seeing lifeguard when going for that SA interview.
There's a MM PE firm in the my area and I know an alum that is a managing partner there. What are the chances that I could secure a summer internship? Like is it all but unlikely? Was going to try and get one and I felt like it would be a bit easier since an alum works there. But otherwise I'll probably go for PWM.
The chances are 100% or 0%
Starbucks
Don't look at any firms and instead consider not selling your soul to IB. You have time.
Try PWM, probably won't get an interview though. Also try interning in a finance department at a local large business
Tobin & Co.
Rumor has it that place doesn't compensate their analysts.
Basically none. You're better off finding a local boutique ibank that will take a barely paid or unpaid summer intern so you can get something on the resume.
Probably start reaching out (cold calling) after February - none / very few of these places will have any sort of formal recruiting program. They're all busy and wont want to hear from you earlier.
Anyone willing to name some boutique PE/IB Firms in SF that take freshman in for internships? (Originally Posted: 08/02/2016)
Just looking for some freshman friendly firms. I don't really care if the internship is paid or not, I'm just looking for some exposure to the industry. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Also, you could talk about your personal experiences with interviewing and networking at SF as a freshman. I go to a non target, so please keep in mind my lack of prestige. Thanks.
All the lowerclassmen I came across at various places usually had some relative, or well known connection at the place. There's a reason these places don't want a pimply emotional plank walkin around the office.
Interesting. I do not have any major connections. Do you think this may pose as a problem?
Try your hand cold emailing smaller firms, particularly ones without a 'Careers' page on their website. Sure as hell worked for me.
Best of luck!
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