Advice on IB Recruiting
As a freshman, I’ve gained some valuable experience, including a VC internship, a finance spring internship, involvement in reputable clubs, and maintaining good grades. This summer, I’m aiming to secure a PE Search Fund internship, but I’m not quite sure where to look. I’ve heard a lot about Searchfunder, but it comes with a cost. I’m curious if anyone knows of other resources or platforms where I can find PE firms that are open to recruiting freshmen. If you have specific LinkedIn searches or Handshake tips that might help, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thanks for any insights!
One response
It’s great to hear that you’re being proactive about your career in finance at such an early stage! Here are some tips on how you can find private equity search fund internships as a freshman:
Network Your Way In: Leverage your existing contacts from your VC internship or finance clubs. Reach out to alumni from your school who are in the private equity space. They might have leads or be able to recommend you to firms looking for interns.
LinkedIn Search Strategies: Use LinkedIn to search for PE firms or search funds. Look up keywords like “private equity intern,” “search fund intern,” or “investment intern.” You can filter by location, industry, and company size to find relevant opportunities. Also, consider following firms and engaging with their content to increase visibility.
Handshake: Many universities have partnerships with companies that post internships on Handshake. Make sure to set up alerts for PE internships and check daily for new listings. Don’t forget to attend career fairs or networking events advertised through Handshake.
Join Relevant Groups: Many online forums, Facebook groups, and Slack channels focus on private equity and finance. Search for “private equity interns” or “finance internships” on these platforms to find opportunities and advice from others in your position.
Cold Outreach: Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to search funds and small PE firms, even if they don’t have listed internship positions. A strong cover letter expressing your interest and previous experience can help you stand out.
Research Local Firms: If you’re open to interning at smaller and local firms, spend some time researching private equity firms in your area. Many smaller firms may not actively post internships but could be open to taking on eager interns if you approach them with your background.
Online Resources: Websites like Searchfunder, Indeed, and Glassdoor often list internships and job opportunities. Even if Searchfunder charges, there are many free resources available. Make sure to maximize your use of sites like these.
Professors and Career Services: Don’t forget to leverage your professors and your school’s career services. They can often connect you with industry contacts who might be looking for interns.
Keep up your excellent momentum, and good luck with your search fund internship!