How should I prepare to be a good intern?

Hi All,

I just finished recruiting and was very lucky to accept an offer as an IBD summer analyst with GS/MS/JPM. I studied for my interviews like they were the most important final I'd ever taken. However, now that I'm done, I've realized that I don't actually know...anything...that will be relevant to my ability to succeed as an intern. I go to a liberal arts target with no real finance courses I can take, and have an interesting- but irrelevant- background. Most of the kids that go into IBD at my university join either the investment club or the investment banking club on campus and learn fundamentals that way, but I was unfortunately rejected from both a few days ago.
I know there are always a lot of jokes and stories about kids who did stupid things or fucked up big time during #internszn, and if possible, I would like to avoid being one of those kids. Aside from the fact that I want a return offer, I do also want to attempt to add value to whatever team I'm on, instead of being a huge burden.

I don't want the focus of my academic year to be prepping for my internship, but in terms of hard skills, what should I spend some time learning and solidifying this year? What resources/books are worth the time, and what should I skip? What are some examples of interns you've had who performed well, and what set those kids apart?

I know this seems eager and sorta try-hard given that summer 2020 is months away, but I'd rather do a little bit at a time than procrastinate until May.
Thanks all.

 
  1. Read everything there is to know about the firm/your team

  2. Read the Rosenbaum and Pearl book to build upon the technical questions you likely memorized during recruiting

  3. Know basic shortcuts in powerpoint and excel, but do not go overboard

 
Most Helpful

Make friends with the hottest cheerleaders / sorority girls in your school and get them to join the associates / analysts during round 2 of company drinks - guaranteed offer

 

No one will expect you to know anything. Ask questions, keep your superior informed on what you’re working on. Stay organized with your work and within the deal folders. Don’t put your nose up to bitch tasks (getting coffee, etc.), it’s a right of passage. And have a good attitude. This is the basic template you need to follow to get an offer

 

Finished an internship in IB at a BB this past summer and got the return offer.

Off the top of my head here are a few things to help you out:

- Being very familiar with excel and powerpoint goes a long way

- Learn how to take notes quickly, efficiently, and in an organized manner

- Build attention to detail. This is perhaps the absolute most important thing

- Recheck your work numerous times before turning it in. This is the second most important thing. This is how you build attention to detail and catch mistakes and areas of improvement

- Have a good attitude and be intellectually curious. Do not visibly be displeased about anything and be genuinely interested in what you are working on and ask questions

I actually printed this post out and pinned it to my cube as its advice is super rock solid: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/eight-habits-of-top-bucket-ibd-s…

 

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