Choosing Between Boutique IB vs. Corporate Finance for Sophomore Summer Internship

I'm a Sophomore at a Semi-Target School in the Boston Area hoping to break into IB and secure a BB/EB/MM offer for summer 2021. For this upcoming summer, I have 2 options for internships:

  1. Investment Banking Analyst at a small boutique in my hometown (Pros: greater responsibility, more relevant experience, senior partners have BB experience, don't have to pay for housing. Cons: Bank only does deals in one industry, not a structured internship program, working for just above minimum wage)

  2. Corporate Finance at a F500 company in Boston (Pros: greater opportunity to expand network, great brand name, better pay. Cons: work isn't as relevant to the career I want to pursue compared to IB internship)

Obviously I'd be very fortunate to have either of these opportunities, but I would love any advice on which internships would best position myself for IB recruiting in my Junior Year. Thanks in advance to anyone who is willing to provide feedback.

7 Comments
 

Should I take unpaid IB internship if I have no other offers atm? also sophomore

 

Boutique IB especially if the seniors have BB experience. Try to get to know them and see if they could potentially help you by connecting you anyone at their old firms.

 
Most Helpful

Eligendi praesentium odio et eos quasi consequatur. Dolore sit maxime omnis quod rerum labore. Et sed veritatis ad esse voluptate libero nobis ducimus. Repellendus et et reiciendis veniam quia aut sed.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 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

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 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

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (45) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”