Now, before everyone starts stating the obvious, I'll say it first.
Yes, I'm in HS and shouldn't worry about this. Honestly, I can either get some normal job flipping burgers or waiting tables, but I'd rather take a position to benefit myself in the future doing something that interests me.
Money isn't necessarily an issue for me, because I've earned and saved a fair bit.
Finance is a field that truly interests me, and the perks of the typically high compensation and always having a reason to wear a suit are great as well.
So now with that out of the way... What I came here to ask is if it's feasible and more importantly beneficial to get an internship as a HS Senior (most likely over the summer). I'm aware that 90% of my work will consist of me getting coffee and getting lunch for actual employees, because even I know that any real responsibility isn't realistic. I think the opportunity to both network an learn from jumping right into it is what may make it a worthwhile experience. I have minimal connections through family to really help me with the future job hunt, so I see this as a way to get my foot in the door and a leg up on the competition.
Considering my current geographical location, I'd say that I'm limited to Chicago, but I live close enough to commute by train. I've done a little research on MM banks and BB regional offices, but I assume it's a long shot getting into most if any of them. Which brings me to the point of it being likely? I'm more than willing to just straight up cold call and email (Would such a move from a HS student stand out?).
Basically, I'd like to know if it is possibly, and if so beneficial for me to try interning during my HS senior summer as opposed to getting a regular summer job.
At this point, worry more about getting into college.
I've already applied to some non-ivy target schools, but I'm wondering if a semi target school would be better. I'd imagine it would be easier to standout, but I'm not sure. Anyways, I've good a good shot at at getting in, which is why I came here to ask about the next step.
Uh, no. That's not how it works. If you're only interested in getting into IB (which is a terrible reason to pick one school over another, but whatever) go to the best possible school you can.
Believe it or not smart people are ubiquitous across top schools. Going to a slightly less prestigious school because you feel you'll "stand out" will simply not happen. At the undergraduate level, barring Math Olympiad level achievements, you aren't going to "stand out" because you bring nothing to the table and your major, even if it's financial engineering at Princeton, will only hold slight relevance to your internships.
Go do something interesting, get into a good school, and start caring about this kind of stuff two years from now.
you'd get more ass if you were a lifeguard instead of an investment banker, do that. oh, and also focus more on college.
Have you even touched a boob yet?
Why don't you take up sports, many people in finance are varsity athletes....
Why do you assume I'm not? I play varsity golf at my school.
Ok so get more involved with golf, other sports, activities at school, getting into college, volunteer for various charities etc.. Don't try to intern at a bank/fin inst.
As others have said, it will be very difficult to get an internship unless you have a family connection to someone at an IB who's willing to let you come in a few days a week. And I'm not even sure of the legality of that is with regard to NASD/SEC regs. Also, I don't think it will help much on your resume anyway. If I read a resume with a HS internship that's outside of some structured program (I want to say that JPM in NYC has something where HS kids can intern) I'm just going to read it as they filed papers in an office for the summer rather than enjoying themselves and being outside.
Concentrate on getting into the best school you can, have fun with friends, get a job and volunteer. I'd be more impressed by someone who volunteers than does an internship in high school.
I just thought I'd enjoy being in a professional working environment would be a good way to waste time and go to the city a few days a week. So, would it be nice to have when applying for other internships later?
In Chicago, you'd probably be able to find a PWM shop that would be willing for you to do some secretary-esque work.
I would say the best thing to do is learn and network. Go get a job at your local country club, and during your free time, try and set coffee meetings with as many professionals in Chicago as you can. These are not as difficult to set as you might expect if you frame it right - people love to talk about themselves. When you meet, ask them questions like: what they like about their job, what they don't like, what their career progression was like. Ask for advice, discuss the market, etc, etc, etc. This does wonders in building your network and learning different industries. With each meeting you learn more, sound smarter, and have more educational conversations. At worst, you at least get a free cup of coffee (no one will ever make you pay).
This will be way more beneficial down the road when it comes time to looking for actual internships in college.
You may or may not like my answer but I'll post it anyways (in no particular order):
1.) Enjoy your Summer vacation. Travel domestically or internationally, take up a hobby, volunteer with a non-profit or relax. You may wonder why but once you start college you'll miss the opportunity you had to enjoy your break. I'm assuming you worked hard in high school and if so, why not recharge your batteries and do something other than "work"?
2.) You could continue your education by taking courses online via Coursera, AcademicEarth or other online-education websites. You could even learn how to code, get A+ certified or try and attain Microsoft Office certification.
3.) I'm not sure if they will hire you but brokerages like Scottrade, Fidelity Investments, among others may have positions for post-high school graduates. I know Citi has internships for post-high school graduates but I will have to look into the details if you're interested.
4.) How about opportunities like H'University? Again I don't know the details and whether or not you would qualify but they do accept candidates for a grand prize of gaining internships with reputable companies (non-banking however).
Here's their website: http://www.huniversity.co/
Any answer is the answer I want to hear! I'm just looking for some honest opinions from those in the industry or those trying to break in. So I appreciate anything you have to say.
It's actually quite the opposite, I slacked a bit and ended with a 3.8 and and a test scores lower than I wanted (97th percentile). Now, yes I know it's not bad at all, but I know I'm not going to be able to attend some of the better private schools or ivies. Most of my hobbies are expensive. I'm a computer guy and I like to golf. I've got some money saved, but I'm planning on using this to attempt a business. I'm also currently trying to get a job doing volunteer work at a nearby hospital, but it's not easy and I have some family friends who work there.
Sounds interesting, like I said I'm a computers guy, so I know a little C++ and VB already, but there's always more to learn.
I'll definitely look into it. I'd really just like to intern to have a reason to go to the city a few times a week.
Never heard of it before, but looks promising. Might as well look into it if I can't get a job doing anything else.
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