Getting an investment banking internship is highly competitive. With so many excellent candidates applying, it’s crucial to make your resume and interview skills stand out. This article provides key tips on how to strengthen your application and land a coveted investment banking internship position in areas like investment analysis, financial modeling, mergers and acquisitions.
Apply early to increase chances for investment banking internship
As the references indicate, major investment banks like Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan start recruiting summer interns up to one year in advance with application deadlines ranging from September to December. Applying early maximizes your chances since these firms evaluate candidates on a rolling basis instead of waiting until the deadline. Prioritize quality over speed, however, and take the time to carefully craft compelling responses and reasoning test results.
Demonstrate relevant financial skills and strong analytical abilities
Investment banking recruiters look for evidence of strong analytical, financial, interpersonal and networking skills. Provide specific examples of experiences like financial budget analysis, trading simulations, internships or team competitions that showcase abilities to interpret data, think logically, handle pressure and build rapport with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Show keen interest and commercial awareness about desired role
Tailor your application to convey genuine passion for the particular bank, division like M&A or ECM, and role in commodities trading, for instance. Reference participation in related insight events or courses to exhibit your commercial awareness about the sector’s workflow, challenges and developments.
Prepare thoroughly for online reasoning tests
Allow enough time before application deadlines to practice the intense reasoning tests covering math, verbal, abstract and numerical analyses under rigid time constraints. Mastering sample versions available through consulting firms, career centers or bank’s websites helps you avoid easily botching high-stakes tests that determine interview eligibility.
Gaining investment banking work experience through internships provides the best path to receiving full-time job offers. Make applying early and showcasing relevant skills, sincere interest and mental sharpness through online tests your top priorities for strengthening candidacy with top-tier banks.