I’m currently a pre-med sophomore but I have interest in switching to finance/business. I don’t know too much about the internship process and not really sure where to start because every time I try to research this I get a bunch of websites trying to sell me stuff.
So far I’ve been told that getting a top internship (a bulge bracket firm like jp morgan) as a freshmen/sophomore is largely connection based as you might not necessarily have the knowledge to actually be qualified for a job (vs as a junior where they will look at your talent). Therefore as a freshman/sophomore they should apply to boutiques(?)/local firms if they lack the connections or maybe explore programs in other fields. Am I getting good information?
In regards to qualifications, when these top firms review your application, how much weight is put on certain areas? I’m pretty confident a lot of weight is put on gpa and the interview, but what about connections, past internships/jobs, the school you attend, whether they recruit at your school, etc? Do those affect your app as much as your gpa/interview or are they largely irrelevant?
What is the application timeline like? I see that a lot of applications are due by December. Do I get these applications from the school, recruiters, online? Do all firms have an online option or do some of the more competitive ones only look at applications from recruiters?
Hello,
The advice you are getting is right for the most part with regards to getting major internships after you second year.
The larger companies bring in their interns after junior year with the hopes of hiring them upon graduation.
But some do hire others.You need to go to your schools career services office see who is recruiting on your campus.
Go on each companies websites that you are interested in and they will have online applications and information on proper procedures.Some have links for second years etc.
Yes, the fall is when most apps are due
My son is graduating this May,and getting interviews is not as easy as you think.
It does appear that the most important thing in order to even get interviews is to be from top schools.
When he went on Super Day interviews he said that the applicants that he came across all came from top level schools. Some companies have GPA minimums as well.
Once you get an interview scheduled, study up on the company, both technical questions and theoretical questions
will be asked.
Try and read the Wall Street Journal at your schools library as questions will be asked about present day situations with the economy.
For this summer, look to get an internship at a local investment firm like Merrill etc
Network with family, friends to find people in that field that can give your resume to be viewed.
Get your parents to talk to everyone and anyone who could help.
Getting some experience will look great on your resume.
As I told him numerous times, you need to keep knocking on doors, as you only need one to open.
Best of luck