Freshman Internship Inquiry
I’m reaching out on behalf of my daughter, who is eager to break into investment banking. As a finance executive, I’m familiar with the industry, but not specifically in financial services.
She’s currently attending a semi-target school and is doing everything right—maintaining good grades, participating in selective clubs, and networking effectively. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to secure a freshman internship in a financial services firm, but she has the chance to intern in a corporate finance position instead.
Would this experience be viewed positively when she applies for investment banking internships in the future? I believe a solid finance internship during her freshman year would be beneficial, but I’m concerned that recruiters might perceive it as an interest in corporate finance roles, which she does not intend to pursue. What are your thoughts?
One response
Your daughter’s situation sounds promising, and it’s great to see her actively pursuing opportunities in finance. Interning in a corporate finance role can definitely be seen as a positive when she applies for investment banking internships in the future. It will not only provide her with valuable skills and experience, but also demonstrate her commitment to the finance field overall.
While it’s true that some recruiters may view a corporate finance internship as a sign of interest in that area, it’s essential to frame her experience in the context of her long-term career goals during applications and interviews. She can highlight how the skills and knowledge gained from the corporate finance role—such as financial analysis, modeling, and exposure to business operations—are transferable to investment banking.
Encourage her to maintain her networking efforts and seek out mentorship from professionals in investment banking. This will help her build connections in the field and clarify her intentions when applying. Overall, gaining practical experience, regardless of the specific type, can only strengthen her profile as she moves forward in her career.