IB Summer Internship before first year of college
Hey guys! I'm currently a highschool senior looking for a possible IB analyst internship, or any job in the finance industry, the summer before college starts. I got accepted to Wharton, but I don't know if that would help since I haven't actually started schooling yet. I'm still not really sure if this is possible at all, so any help is appreciated!
For relevant experience, I have published papers in Economics and Statistics, but not really touched upon finance at all. Also, the high school that I attend is based at a local state college, so I can attend college classes and join college clubs as well. I've recently joined the Student Investment group there, and know some basic market research and pitching, but have only barely grazed the surface.
So my question is, If I want to join any small local boutique IB (or anything in finance), what skills would I need to learn to be able to survive in such an environment? How would I apply for these jobs with no relevant experience?
Let them know that you understand from their perspective you'd be a nuisance. Then reassure them that you will not need to be babysat, you're open to performing any menial task, and you show initiative. Additionally, letting them know that you're headed to Wharton and that your Excel and Powerpoint skills are solid would boost your chances.
Don't bother reaching out to Analysts/Associates/Vice-Presidents at boutique banks because Analysts/Associates have zero leverage and Vice-Presidents are doing most of the work. Target Managing Directors and HR/Office Managers.
Good luck
Thank you so much! Other than learning basic Excel and Powerpoint skills, what other skills do I need?
Totally agree with contacting MDs directly at small boutiques near your area. Focus first on the MDs who went to your high school (if any exist) and family connections. If that doesn't work, then contact MDs who went to Wharton. After that, target MDs who you can try to relate to in some way (maybe their LinkedIn says that they were a D1 tennis athlete and you were captain of your tennis team). If none of those work, then you just have to rely on the grace of the MDs who you cold-emailed with no real connection.
It is definitely possible to get a boutique IB internship the summer before college, freshman summer, and sophomore summer. You just have to keep trying and not be bothered when an MD rejects you because you don't have the experience or he thinks you're too young.
Soon we'll start having primary school seniors trying to get a summer internship the way things are going. Anyway, your only hope are small boutiques. Try reaching out to some, sell yourself and see if they'll give you a chance. If you have any family connections, use them as well.
Honestly, though, it's pointless. You're going to Wharton, so it's not like you'll have much trouble securing an internship come junior summer, especially with the initiative you're showing already. This is pretty much your last stress-free summer, so just relax.
Thanks for the sage advice! Other than hanging out with friends this summer, I have nothing better to do so I thought it would be a better use of my time if I went and did something for my future.
You got into Wharton. Frankly I don't think you need to worry about becoming an IB analyst right now. You'll have plenty time/resources when you get to school.
To offer a different opinion: Get a blue collar job close to where you live. It's much better than being at home all day, and it can help you build up some savings to have fun in college.
I did this my Senior year before going to Summer. It really helped me learn to suck it up and work hard. Sounds cliche but it helped build my work ethic and kept me grounded.
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