Would an interviewer think this is a good or bad thing?

Hey all. I'm a non-diversity sophomore at a non-HYP ivy. I got a boutique banking internship this summer after TONS of cold calls.

I was wondering - when I'm telling my story during 2020 SA interviews, should I mention that fact that I got my sophomore summer internship through cold calling?

I feel like it could be interpreted one of two ways:

A.) The interviewer will respect my effort and think I'm a hard worker / really want to break in / respect my humility. B.) The interviewer will think I'm an undesirable candidate.

Wanted to get your input! Thank you guys.

10 Comments
 

I wouldn't immediately throw it into your story, but if they ask how you got it definitely say you got it through lots of networking and cold calling. Sophomore internships are known to be difficult to come by, and anyone working in IB who is interviewing you will understand and respect the hustle. Much better than saying you got it through a connection - not that that's bad, just shows more work on your end.

Array
 

Maybe not cold call, you can adjust it and say cold email. (Cold calling I can imagine for a banker is super annoying). Other than that, I would see it as only a good thing. Shows you have heart and are showing initiative and interest. Definitely mention it if the interviewer asks how you got the internship

 

I'd definitely mention it. In addition to showing hustle, drive, and focus, you will dispel the likely suspicion that your Dad hooked you up with the job. Post-sophomore year internships are (I think?) very uncommon and when they do happen it's often as a favor.

 

It certainly will not look bad.

That said you can frame it better than cold calling/emailing.

"I was interested in a investment banking career and began researching and reaching out to local firms to learn more about the industry and career path. This lead to an opportunity to intern last summer where I was able to do xyz and reaffirm my career interest. Now I'd like to build on that foundation and work at a larger firm with more complex deal and greater learning opportunities" - some bs like that

 

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