BACKGROUND: I’m at rising sophomore at a state (non-target) school. I have an internship this summer with a large custodial bank which although is not related to investment banking, is giving me some good exposure to the industry. I maintain a 3.75 GPA which I anticipate to go up next year due to scheduling, I was very oblivious when picking classes freshman year. I am very involved outside of the class room, relevant to my career I am in an investment club that manages real money and in a business fraternity. I don’t want to brag but I feel like I have a good personality and am relatable which I know is huge for interviewing. Nothing about me is diverse, I am a white, straight, male. I am willing to do whatever it takes to get an I banking internship.
QUESTION: To be honest, I know the odds aren’t in my favor for me getting an I banking internship being that I attend a school that is good, not great, and I don’t have a 4.0. My question is, besides getting leadership roles and killing it academically, what can I do this upcoming (sophomore) year to make my chances more likely of attaining such an internship? Which banks should I target? Do some investment banks have opportunities for sophomores? Should I message alum on LinkedIn? I have no idea where to start but I feel like I could use this year to get my foot in the door to better my chances of getting an internship.
I appreciate all (positive) feedback!