Whats wrong with SEC internships?

I've literally seen multiple threads on WSO claiming that interning for the SEC is like "working for the devil" and that an applicant would get an automatic red flag for this. Ironic considering that's what most of America thinks working for a bank is. But anyways, is this actually true or is this more high-schoolers and Ross undergrads? I thought people looking at your resume would just see it as another finance internship rather than a "working for the enemy" internship.

 

Lmao @ calling out Ross undergrads...

I cannot speak to broader industry perspective on an SEC internship but I, personally, would view it how you would - it's an industry experience for a junior person that can be framed as a stepping stone to a FO role. I would view it the same as interning at the Fed.

Personally, I would be weary of anyone seriously thinking interning at the SEC is working for the enemy as that person may be playing in grey areas....

 

People tend to exaggerate and generalize greatly in WSO

There's a debate to be had on how people value / discount that experience differently... but it's erroneous to say that it would cost any 20 year old kid an internship. 

Now, maybe if you tell me that an experienced hire, with 5-10 years working at the SEC, that may be different. My 2 cents.

 

People don't discount the SEC because it's "working for the enemy", but because the experience and career track it puts you on is fundamentally different than being a front-office banker. The SEC is a stepping stone if you want to work with public policy, law enforcement, or politics.

"Work ethic, work ethic" - Vince Vaughn
 

You have to understand 99% of this forum is full of high schoolers and college kids (me included but I'm somewhat self-aware) who base their entire reality off corny tv shows and movies. Seriously just ignore anyone who dishes out advice/statements if they're not verified.

Someone the other day told a Freshman not to take one of those small shop PE internships because it wouldn't look good on his resume...like ok. 

 

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