How many programs should I join as a rising sophomore?

Im a rising sophomore at a non target majoring in accounting and finance. My gpa is a 4.0

I've been thinking about joining more professional programs to best position myself for IB. Some of these include Year up and AICPA for having connections with top accounting and financial services firms. I plan on adding these on to SEO Edge and Inroads(never secured an internship but am still in the program). Im also thinking about applying to MLT once it opens in the fall.

Despite my plans, Im unsure if this is a smart move in the long run. I don't want to burn myself out from being part of several programs and holding positions as director of membership and director of student recruitment for two school clubs. On the other hand, if I increase the number of programs I'm part of, the chances of getting an ib or big 4 internship go up. What do you think?

 
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It sounds like you are diversity - a lot, probably most, of the banks have diversity efforts, anything from a 3-4 day networking conference, mentorship programs, even slots reserved in their class. Apply directly to each bank's diversity program rather than these larger programs. Sophomore internships at BBs are like 100% diversity and you seem like a strong candidate for that.

You have a strong resume to begin with, so I would just start looking for diversity efforts at the banks themselves rather than just improving your resume with more professional clubs (aware some give you an internship, but the majority of those internships are not IB). I have heard good things about Year Up though - AICPA is relevant for Big 4 but not IB. Truthfully if you already have two big programs I think you are set on those and should focus on networking and sophomore internship.

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Im currently a board member for something similar to the type of fraternity you're referring to. Im director of membership for ALPFA, which is an organization that prepares minorities for accounting - and now, finance. The organization provides opportunities to visit top firms and network with professionals who work there. There are also internships. These opportunities are great, but they're not tailored specifically for investment banking. This is really the only downside.

This isn't necessarily bad. I can get experience in the BIG 4 doing m&a or assurance and transfer the skills over to ib while still looking for ib opportunities.

As for the database, I can use my school's Bloomberg terminal to connect with alumni.

 

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