Tips for Making the Most of Your Internship:
I just landed an internship with a hedge fund in NYC on an internal data science team, and I’m excited yet a bit uncertain about the path ahead. As a PhD candidate, I’ll likely finish my program in 2027, but my research doesn’t relate to finance, which makes this opportunity unexpected for me. Since it’s rare for someone in my field to transition into finance, I don’t have anyone to turn to for guidance.
I’m curious about how to navigate this internship effectively. Should I focus on performing at my best in hopes of securing another internship with the same team next year? Do firms typically offer multiple internships without requiring a full re-interview during the next recruitment season? The previous interview process was quite intense, involving a three-hour exam and multiple technical and behavioral interviews.
I understand this situation might differ from the usual “return offer” scenario, especially at the PhD level. I’m also considering my future career path—whether to stay in academia or pursue a role in finance—so it’s important for me to keep my options open. Any advice on how to approach this internship and maximize future opportunities would be greatly appreciated!
One response
Congratulations on your internship offer! That’s a fantastic opportunity, especially given your background as a PhD candidate. Here are a few things to keep in mind during your internship and considerations for your future career path:
Performing Your Best: Absolutely, it’s essential to put forth your best effort during your internship. Not only will this help you learn and grow in the role, but it will also demonstrate your value to the team. A strong performance can lead to a return offer or recommendations for future opportunities, even if they’re not within the same team.
Securing Future Internships: Many firms appreciate interns who do well and may consider them for future roles without requiring a full re-interview process. However, policies can vary by company. It’s a good idea to ask your supervisor or HR representative about their process for returning interns and how it works at the PhD level, as this can help you plan accordingly.
Networking: Take advantage of your time to build relationships with your colleagues and mentors within the firm. Networking can provide valuable insights into the industry and could help you secure future positions, whether those are internships or full-time roles.
Skill Development: Focus on acquiring skills relevant to both the finance and data science fields. This could include learning about financial modeling, Machine Learning applications in finance, or understanding financial markets. Demonstrating a blend of both domains can make you a more attractive candidate for future roles.
Explore Your Interests: Use this internship to explore whether a career in finance aligns with your interests and goals. Pay attention to what aspects of the work you find most engaging. This will help you make informed decisions about your career path post-PhD.
Stay Open-Minded: While you may currently feel uncertain about your future in academia versus industry, use this internship to gather experiences and insights. The landscape is always changing, and you may discover a passion for finance that wasn’t on your radar before.
Seek Feedback: Throughout the internship, actively seek feedback on your work and performance. It shows initiative and a desire to improve, which many firms value highly.
Balance Your Commitments: As a PhD candidate, balancing your academic responsibilities with your internship may be challenging. Plan your time effectively to ensure you can meet the requirements of both your internship and your degree program.
Remember, internships are a valuable way to gain experience and understand industry expectations, so make the most of this opportunity. Good luck!