As an investment banking summer intern, you’re stepping into a world where professionalism and etiquette are paramount. In this environment, your behavior and communication skills can make or break your chances of securing a full-time offer. We’ve compiled a list of summer intern etiquette tips to help you navigate the office, impress your colleagues, and avoid common pitfalls.
- Summer Intern Cell Phone Etiquette
- Set your phone to vibrate or silent mode and check it only during breaks or after work.
- Resist the temptation to text or browse social media at your desk; your teammates and managers will notice.
- During training sessions or job shadowing, keep your phone out of sight to show respect for the person guiding you.
- Handle Personal Calls and Music with Care
- Most investment banking offices have an open floor plan, so taking personal calls at your desk is a no-go.
- If you must take a call, find a private space, such as a conference room or step outside the building.
- Listening to music while working depends on your manager’s preferences, so have that conversation early on.
- Be Mindful of Your Internet Usage
- Many firms block social networking and personal email sites to minimize distractions.
- Using your personal device to circumvent these restrictions is not a smart move.
- Limit your personal internet use to short breaks or lunchtime, and always prioritize your work.
- Shine in Meetings and Conference Calls
- Never bring your personal phone to a meeting with senior managers; it shows a lack of engagement.
- Come prepared with questions, take notes, and actively participate in the discussion.
- During conference calls, ensure your name is properly displayed, mute yourself when not speaking, and maintain eye contact with the camera if it’s a video call.
- Craft Professional Emails and Instant Messages
- Double-check the recipient’s name, proofread for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure your tone is professional.
- Keep messages concise and avoid using emojis or gifs in work-related communications.
- Remember, emails are permanent records that can be accessed even if deleted, so always maintain a professional demeanor.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings
- When traveling in groups or chatting in common areas, keep conversations professional and appropriate.
- Avoid controversial topics or language that could be overheard by colleagues or superiors.
- Be mindful of office pet peeves, such as cooking pungent foods in the communal microwave or improperly using the water cooler.
- Prioritize Self-Care and Presentation
- Get enough sleep to maintain your focus and productivity; falling asleep at your desk is a surefire way to damage your reputation.
- Dress the part, arrive on time, and come prepared to show that you’re taking your internship seriously.
- Take initiative, help your peers, and maintain a positive attitude to enhance your personal brand.
The Bottom Line: As an investment banking summer intern, you’re laying the foundation for your future career. By mastering these etiquette essentials, you’ll demonstrate your professionalism, respect for your colleagues, and commitment to excellence. Remember, your actions and communication skills are just as important as your technical abilities in this competitive industry. Embrace these unwritten rules, and you’ll be well on your way to making a lasting, positive impression.
When Things Don’t Go as Planned
Despite your best efforts, not every internship ends with a return offer. As your summer internship concludes, you’ll receive one of three outcomes: Offer, No Offer, or Hold. If you don’t receive an offer, it’s natural to feel disappointed, but this doesn’t signal the end of your banking aspirations.
The Ultimate Guide to Bouncing Back from No-Return Offer
For those facing this challenge, there’s a comprehensive resource available. Meridith Dennes, Managing Partner of Prospect Rock Partners, and Andrea Benson, Managing Director at the firm, have created a specialized course addressing exactly this situation. Andrea brings 15 years of Wall Street experience, including 11 years in campus recruiting, to help candidates professionally handle disappointment and develop a strategic reentry plan.
The course covers critical areas including:
Understanding Candidate Evaluation Buckets – Learn how banks categorize summer interns and what each outcome really means for your future prospects.
Does No Offer Mean No Investment Banking – Many candidates assume a no-offer ends their banking dreams, but this comprehensive module explains why that’s not necessarily true and what options remain available.
Crafting Your Narrative: Addressing the No-Offer in Future Interviews – Develop a compelling explanation for your internship outcome that positions you positively for future opportunities.
The course also provides:
Networking Fundamentals – Master the art of creating effective target lists, writing compelling cold emails, leveraging LinkedIn outreach, conducting informational interviews, and maximizing information sessions.
Best Practices and Templates – Access professionally crafted formats for resumes, cover letters, cold outreach emails, LinkedIn messages, informational interview questions, and thank you notes.
Organizational Tools – Utilize the proprietary PRP Offer roadmap to systematically track target firms, networking efforts, and interview progress.
The program emphasizes that setbacks can become stepping stones to eventual success in investment banking’s competitive landscape. Key strategies include utilizing reflection and feedback, developing comprehensive skill enhancement plans, and maintaining a positive outlook while casting a wide net in job searches.
Access the complete course here: https://prospectrockpartners.mykajabi.com/offers/2EYZWoeo/checkout
Final Thoughts
Securing a return offer should be your primary focus during your summer internship, regardless of whether you ultimately want to return. Having an offer in hand provides leverage and options for your career. Whether you succeed immediately or need to regroup and try again, remember that persistence and strategic thinking are often more valuable than perfection in this industry.
The banking world is demanding, but it rewards those who approach challenges with professionalism, resilience, and genuine dedication to excellence.
Andrea Benson, Managing Director
Andrea Benson is a Managing Director at Prospect Rock Partners. Prior to joining, Andrea spent 13 years at Bank of America across the IBD (M&A), HR (Campus Recruiting) and Tech (CIO) divisions respectively. Most recently, Andrea was the Global Head of Campus Recruiting and Operations at Morgan Stanley. She holds extensive knowledge of the global recruiting landscape and has a vast network given her tenure in the campus recruiting space. She holds a B.A. from Stonehill College, and lives in New Jersey with her husband and young son.