<p>Within the past two months, I've communicated with Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and Goldman Sachs about obtaining an internship as only a high school graduate. All of these were prospective jobs when talking to the directors of each firm. As time progressed, I found out Morgan Stanley was not accepting high school graduates for internships, and both Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs were too far to commute on a day to day basis. </p>
<p>In two months, I went from having three of the biggest firms to having nothing. The summer is approaching fast. Does anyone have any ideas about what one might be able to do in my position?</p>
<p>Some perspective: Wharton juniors/seniors fight tooth and nail for these firms. Not making it now is really to be expected - unless your dad owns something big on the buy-side, in which case you don't need to intern anyway. </p>
<p>I take it you want exp in financial services. Why not try for a smaller research firm or brokerage? Talk to the exchange regulators, see if you can get to spend a couple days on the trading floor. If you want something in mgmt consulting, why not the boutiques?</p>
<p>Sorry to burst in, but I find this of high interest: Merrill Lynch and GS would actually take you though? I was under the impression it'd be IMPOSSIBLE to get a job at either of these companies as a freshmen/sophomore (in college) much less a high school grad.</p>
<p>I think you guys are picturing me working in a skyscraper in New York city. haha. That's not the case! I live in California (not LA). For Merrrill, I would intern at smaller, individual branch. For Goldman, I would actually be working in SF and have real duties. It's a very long program that eventually leads to being a junior analyst in about two years. However, you shouldn't be too surprised Goldman would do somthing like that. The company is very focused on mentorship and training young people. I actually believe they have several official programs for high school grads and the like. Check them out.</p>
<p>Really? Wow, I definitely did not know that. I'll have to look into it. Thank you!</p>