Currently a freshman at a semi non target school with a really good reputation across the country. I’ve been doing a search fund internship for the past 3 months that is not deal sourcing (I do due diligence and management calls, also a lot of LBO modeling). I have the opportunity to extend it to summer or work at a small ib firm and do market research (not on deal team). Which experience would look better for someone trying to recruit for ib next year?
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Navigating the early stages of a career in investment banking (IB) requires strategic choices, especially when it comes to internships. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown of how each option might impact your future IB recruiting efforts:
Search Fund Internship: Your current role involves due diligence, management calls, and LBO modeling. These tasks offer a deep dive into the analytical and evaluative aspects of finance, providing you with a solid foundation in understanding business valuation and the mechanics of leveraged buyouts. This experience is valuable because it aligns closely with the analytical and modeling work you would do in IB. The hands-on experience with LBO modeling is particularly beneficial, as it's a critical skill in IB, especially in the M&A and private equity sectors.
Small IB Firm Internship: Working at a small IB firm, even if the role is focused on market research and not directly on the deal team, offers a direct insight into the investment banking world. Market research is a fundamental part of IB, helping to inform both pitches and deals. While you might not be working on deals directly, understanding market trends, competitor analysis, and sector insights are crucial for any successful IB professional. This experience can also provide a broader understanding of how IB firms operate and the market dynamics they navigate.
Recommendation: Considering your goal to recruit for IB next year, both experiences have their merits. However, the direct experience in a small IB firm might edge out slightly better for a few reasons: - Relevance: Being in an IB environment, even in a research capacity, can offer insights and networking opportunities directly related to your target field. - Perception: Recruiters and hiring managers might view direct IB firm experience as more relevant, especially if you're able to articulate how your market research contributed to deal-making processes. - Networking: Being in an IB firm allows for closer networking opportunities with professionals in your target field, which can be invaluable during recruitment.
Ultimately, the decision should also consider where you feel you could learn more, make significant contributions, and which role aligns better with your long-term career aspirations. Networking with professionals in both areas and seeking their advice based on your specific interests and skills might also provide additional clarity.
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/nothing-is-going-right-for-recruitment-whats-next-need-advice?customgpt=1, Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking, Looking for Recruiting Advice, Non-Target Recruiting Guide Part I: Resume and Networking, What sort of experience are investment banks looking for in SW & SA CV’s?
IB. Even if you’re not on a deal team, you can phrase your exp to be much better suited for IB. Btw search funds are too diluted now, thousands of kids have that on their resume, not gonna stand out too much if they also ‘frame’ their exp to do LBOs as well
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