<p>how hard is it to get an internship at GS for a rising sophomore in a top 10 university with an outstanding, merit based (not family connection) wall street internship experience with the top of the line recommendationS from the executives already under the belt (the summer before starting college)? I am talking about chances for the next summer. </p>
<p>Do they flat out reject anybody that young or do they take rising sophomores if the qualifications are outstanding? How are the odds if I add senior executive introduction at GS on top of the qualifications mentioned above.</p>
<p>Honestly, you can add anything that you want to it. While the accomplishments, especially at such an early point in your college career, are very impressive, SA positions are predominantly given to rising seniors in the hopes of finding FT employees to start after graduation. On a less frequent basis, these spots are given to outstanding rising juniors, who will then be offered another SA position as a rising senior (if they rock the internship as they’ve rocked past experiences, school, etc) and then the FT position for the following summer. </p>
<p>For rising sophomores, however, they are still very early in their college career and the SA investment for a firm would be much higher in that regard (ultimately finding FT employees). That said, I think that, above all else, your connections will be the key. If you’ve got very solid connections to go along with your experiences, you should have a shot. Since I am assuming that you are talking about IB SA positions, you may find yourself with an opportunity related to an SA IB position, but not exactly the same, considering your age. They may suggest you apply for more a rotation program, or something beneficial, but not an SA program, depending on the quality of other candidates, and your contacts. In short, it will definitely be a challenge, but if there is one thing that everyone should know about this business it is that the strength of your candidacy is absolutely enhanced by a strong, supportive set of contacts/network.</p>
<p>Don’t take no for an answer. I have heard stories (and seen resumes) of rising sophomores who managed to land internships at bulge bracket banks doing front office, transaction-related work. </p>
<p>To get the obvious out of the way, it’s not going to be easy. As BankOnBanking said, you’re going to have to NETWORK and get people to step up to the plate for you. Come across as hungry and motivated, intelligent and capable and you will do very well for yourself. There’s not going to be a structured program for you, but if you show your connections that you’re willing to work hard, then they will push hard to create an intern position for you.</p>