Securing a Full Time Offer: Top Mistakes to Avoid in Investment Banking Internships
Investment banking internships are notoriously competitive, with interns vying for a full time offer. While the technical skills you’ve honed in school are important, it’s often the subtle missteps that can derail your shot at a lucrative analyst role. We spoke with industry insiders to uncover the top mistakes that can cost interns their dream job.
- Playing favorites with assignments “We see this all the time,” says a VP at a bulge bracket bank. “Interns who only want to work on the ‘sexy’ deals are shooting themselves in the foot.” The takeaway? Embrace every task with enthusiasm, no matter how mundane it seems.
- Deadline? What deadline? Missing deadlines is a cardinal sin in banking. An MD at a boutique M&A firm puts it bluntly: “If you can’t deliver on time during your internship, why would we trust you with client work?”
- Getting defensive about feedback “The ability to take criticism is crucial,” notes a former Goldman Sachs analyst. “I’ve seen brilliant interns tank their chances by arguing with every piece of feedback.” Kiss that full time offer goodbye.
- The silent struggle Spinning your wheels on a task without asking for help is a rookie move. “We’d much rather an intern ask questions than submit subpar work,” says a director at Morgan Stanley.
- The know-it-all newbie Fresh out of your Ivy League finance program? Great. But don’t assume you know more than the analysts and associates who’ve been in the trenches. Humility goes a long way.
- Ghosting after crunch time Late nights and weekends are part of the gig. But disappearing without a word after a grueling session? That’s a red flag. “A quick check-in shows you’re committed and ready for more,” advises a top recruiter.
- Networking over work quality. Yes, relationships matter in banking. But not at the expense of your actual job. “The best networking is consistently excellent work,” says an HR manager.
- The chronic over-promiser Managing expectations is key. “Interns who constantly overpromise and underdeliver don’t last long,” warns a IB director.
- MIA during crunch time When the heat is on, everyone needs to pull their weight. An analyst at a leading bank shares, “If you’re not in the trenches with us during critical periods, don’t expect an offer.”
- Stealth remote working In an industry that still values face time, sneaking off-site without approval is a major faux pas. “Always communicate your whereabouts,” stresses a VP.
The Bottom Line: Investment banking internships are essentially a 10-week job interview. Every interaction, every deliverable, and every late night is a chance to prove you’ve got what it takes to receive a full-time offer. Avoid these common pitfalls, bring your A-game, and you might just find yourself with that coveted offer letter at summer’s end.
