4 answers
Sodiq
Student
Lagos, Nigeria
1
Question
Asked
490 views
How can I secure virtual internship in corporate finance or investment banking as an undergraduate student ?
As a non-finance student with a strong passion for pursuing a career in finance, particularly in corporate finance or investment banking, I am eager to secure a virtual internship that will provide me with valuable exposure to the industry. I firmly believe that gaining practical experience in finance is essential for my career development, and I am actively seeking opportunities to learn from experts in the field. I am open to unpaid programs, as my primary focus is on acquiring knowledge and real-world exposure. I would greatly appreciate any guidance or assistance in finding such opportunities.
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4 answers
Danny Siegel
Management Consultant
2
Answers
Scarsdale, New York
Updated
Danny’s Answer
Hi Sodiq, There may be others that have more direct, practical expertise in this area, but in my experience it would be very unusual to have a finance/investment banking internship conducted in a remote fashion. If you think about it, this makes sense...these jobs tend to deal with very sensitive information where the resulting analysis is used to create actual postings in financial systems, provide sensitivities on financial performance used in key capital/cash flow decisions, valuation of assets, etc. Moreover, there are a lot of proprietary nuances that companies (and inv banks) employ to make their analysis as precise as possible, so sitting shoulder to shoulder with a mentor to get real apprenticeship and real-time QA of your analysis is critical.
I love your enthusiasm for getting some hands on experience, and I totally agree it will make you materially more valuable and employable as you approach the end of your college tenure. That said, if at all possible, I would strongly suggest looking for in-person internship opportunities...I'm aware that's more difficult (both due to competition and the personal financial implications if you have to temporarily move). I have some limited experience with banking in Africa, and I happen to know that there are some very attractive i-banking internships (largely in Nairobi, however), so the opportunities are there, but just few/far between. Corporate finance internships may be a lot easier to come by just by virtue of the fact that there are more of these jobs in the world...again, in-person would be the best option here.
I love your enthusiasm for getting some hands on experience, and I totally agree it will make you materially more valuable and employable as you approach the end of your college tenure. That said, if at all possible, I would strongly suggest looking for in-person internship opportunities...I'm aware that's more difficult (both due to competition and the personal financial implications if you have to temporarily move). I have some limited experience with banking in Africa, and I happen to know that there are some very attractive i-banking internships (largely in Nairobi, however), so the opportunities are there, but just few/far between. Corporate finance internships may be a lot easier to come by just by virtue of the fact that there are more of these jobs in the world...again, in-person would be the best option here.
Tammy Cho
Product Management
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Tammy’s Answer
Hi Sodiq,
There are many different components to finance and would recommend exploring what aspects you may enjoy more. Many companies offer rotation programs which might enable you to explore and learn about various programs, industries, etc. For example, Microsoft has a Finance rotation program. Check this out for example: https://jobs.careers.microsoft.com/global/en/share/1762064/?utm_source=Job Share&utm_campaign=Copy-job-share.
It might also be good to seek out mentors in this field who can guide you and connect you to the right people in the industry.
All the best!
There are many different components to finance and would recommend exploring what aspects you may enjoy more. Many companies offer rotation programs which might enable you to explore and learn about various programs, industries, etc. For example, Microsoft has a Finance rotation program. Check this out for example: https://jobs.careers.microsoft.com/global/en/share/1762064/?utm_source=Job Share&utm_campaign=Copy-job-share.
It might also be good to seek out mentors in this field who can guide you and connect you to the right people in the industry.
All the best!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Sodiq
Mbah Wai-Tanyi Aguh
Agronomist
49
Answers
New Rochelle, New York
Updated
Mbah Wai-Tanyi’s Answer
Hi Sodiq,
Securing a virtual internship in corporate finance or investment banking as an undergraduate student requires strategic effort. Here's a step-by-step guide to increase your chances:
*Prepare*
1. Develop basic finance knowledge: Take online courses (e.g., Coursera, edX) in finance, accounting, and financial analysis.
2. Enhance your skills: Learn Excel, financial modeling, and data analysis.
3. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: Highlight relevant coursework, skills, and experiences.
4. Network: Connect with finance professionals on LinkedIn.
*Virtual Internship Platforms*
1. Virtual Internships
2. Intern Abroad HQ
3. Remote Internships
4. Finance Internships (Various websites)
5. Wall Street Prep
6. Investment Banking Institute
7. Corporate Finance Institute
*Company Websites*
1. Goldman Sachs - Virtual Internship Program
2. Morgan Stanley - Virtual Internship Program
3. J.P. Morgan - Virtual Internship Program
4. Citigroup - Virtual Internship Program
5. UBS - Virtual Internship Program
*Professional Associations*
1. CFA Institute - Virtual Internships
2. Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) - Virtual Internships
3. International Association for Financial Planning & Research (IAFPR) - Virtual Internships
*Networking*
1. Attend virtual finance events and webinars.
2. Join finance-focused groups on LinkedIn and participate in discussions.
3. Reach out to finance professionals for informational interviews.
*Application Tips*
1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each application.
2. Showcase relevant skills and experiences.
3. Demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for finance.
*Additional Resources*
1. Finance blogs (e.g., Finance Train, Wall Street Oasis)
2. Online finance communities (e.g., Reddit's r/finance)
3. Nigerian finance organizations (e.g., Nigerian Stock Exchange, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria)
*Unpaid Internship Considerations*
1. Ensure the internship provides meaningful learning experiences.
2. Clarify expectations and responsibilities.
3. Negotiate potential compensation or academic credits.
*Action Plan*
1. Research and apply to 5-10 virtual internships within the next 2 weeks.
2. Network with 5 finance professionals within the next month.
3. Continuously develop your skills and knowledge.
Stay focused, persistent, and open-minded. You'll increase your chances of securing a valuable virtual internship in corporate finance or investment banking.
Good luck
Securing a virtual internship in corporate finance or investment banking as an undergraduate student requires strategic effort. Here's a step-by-step guide to increase your chances:
*Prepare*
1. Develop basic finance knowledge: Take online courses (e.g., Coursera, edX) in finance, accounting, and financial analysis.
2. Enhance your skills: Learn Excel, financial modeling, and data analysis.
3. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: Highlight relevant coursework, skills, and experiences.
4. Network: Connect with finance professionals on LinkedIn.
*Virtual Internship Platforms*
1. Virtual Internships
2. Intern Abroad HQ
3. Remote Internships
4. Finance Internships (Various websites)
5. Wall Street Prep
6. Investment Banking Institute
7. Corporate Finance Institute
*Company Websites*
1. Goldman Sachs - Virtual Internship Program
2. Morgan Stanley - Virtual Internship Program
3. J.P. Morgan - Virtual Internship Program
4. Citigroup - Virtual Internship Program
5. UBS - Virtual Internship Program
*Professional Associations*
1. CFA Institute - Virtual Internships
2. Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) - Virtual Internships
3. International Association for Financial Planning & Research (IAFPR) - Virtual Internships
*Networking*
1. Attend virtual finance events and webinars.
2. Join finance-focused groups on LinkedIn and participate in discussions.
3. Reach out to finance professionals for informational interviews.
*Application Tips*
1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each application.
2. Showcase relevant skills and experiences.
3. Demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for finance.
*Additional Resources*
1. Finance blogs (e.g., Finance Train, Wall Street Oasis)
2. Online finance communities (e.g., Reddit's r/finance)
3. Nigerian finance organizations (e.g., Nigerian Stock Exchange, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria)
*Unpaid Internship Considerations*
1. Ensure the internship provides meaningful learning experiences.
2. Clarify expectations and responsibilities.
3. Negotiate potential compensation or academic credits.
*Action Plan*
1. Research and apply to 5-10 virtual internships within the next 2 weeks.
2. Network with 5 finance professionals within the next month.
3. Continuously develop your skills and knowledge.
Stay focused, persistent, and open-minded. You'll increase your chances of securing a valuable virtual internship in corporate finance or investment banking.
Good luck
I appreciate your support, Mbah Wai-Tanyi
Sodiq
Leah Lengel
Global Events Marketing Coordinator
5
Answers
New Albany, Indiana
Updated
Leah’s Answer
Hi Sodiq! This is a great question and I was in the same position as you when I was in school. For reference, my background is in fashion design and retail management. I had an opportunity to apply for an internship within the tech industry. Obviously, that isn't even remotely close to the fashion industry. The previous answers does give you great materials to study like blog posts, taking online courses, etc and I completely recommend doing those things. On top of that, you have to believe that the skills you've learned in your previous courses will make you an amazing candidate for their internship. Try and find experiences that overlap between what you're studying now and the financial industry. Networking is incredibly important. Reach out to other peers studying finance and see if they have any advice! LinkedIn is a great resource to connect with people and apply for opportunities. I received my tech internship through LinkedIn. You've received a ton of advice, so hopefully you'll have a good start to put yourself out there and get an internship. Good luck!