A big untapped source for internship leads is to follow/track new firms being launched across IB (small M&A boutiques), PE and hedge funds. They don't have huge recruiting departments at the start and you can make their life easier by getting in touch with them. This takes work and diligence/organization so not many students do it. Getting an internship at a lesser known firm can set you up for the NYC internship/full-time role you really want.

New firms launch constantly. A senior banker spins out and starts an advisory boutique. A PM leaves a big fund and raises their own. A first-time PE fund holds its first close. This happens every week across investment banking, public equity / hedge funds, and private equity. Use your favorite AI LLM to filter for these types of headlines.

Firms to look for:

• Investment banking — new small boutiques / advisory shops, usually senior bankers spinning out.
• Hedge funds — new fund launches (many are reported, and new advisers show up in public SEC registrations).
• Private equity — first-time funds and new shops raising their first vehicle.

Steps you take:

1. Identify a firm that just launched (screen for headlines
2. Find the founder or someone in senior management like the COO — look through LinkedIn, the website, a press mention. Get their email from Bloomberg or call the firm to get it.
3. Reach out with a short, specific note. Make it about them: "I saw you just launched X, I'm a student genuinely interested in what you're building, and I'd love to help with research or anything useful this summer, paid or unpaid."
4. Track everything in a simple spreadsheet/Google sheet.
5. Follow up. No one does this. One quick second email two weeks later puts you ahead most undergrads
6. The goal is to get them on the phone, offer again to do a project of some type during the school year/summer

It involves real research, cold outreach, rejection, and the discipline to follow up over weeks. That's exactly why it sets you apart. I graduated in a recession so I know first hand how to run this playbook - I must have sent 2,000 emails in the course of a year.

A summer at a tiny, just-launched firm gives you real experience, a real story, and a real reference. When you apply to NYC internships next cycle, you're not "a student who wants to break in" anymore — you're someone who found an opportunity that didn't exist, created it, and did the work. That's a completely different candidate. When you talk about this in interviews during the Why investment banking part, it will resonate and they will remember your story how you went about doing things

Here are recent examples of new firm launches:

Burnham Park Capital Markets - a team from MKM Roth is rolling up sell-side firms and they had a press release last week. They have IB and sell-side equity research

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/burnham-park-capital-markets-launches-as-chicagos-newest-investment-bank-will-consolidate-five-specialized-firms-to-create-a-full-service-platform-302789290.html

Haelean Capital Partners - healthcare-focused PE firm

https://www.alternativeswatch.com/2026/09/23/haelan-capital-healthcare-pe-nuview-health/

I write about this kind of off-the-beaten-path recruiting the stuff target-school kids get told and everyone else doesn’t. Tomorrow’s newsletter breaks down the exact sources you should follow and and gives a real email outreach template. It’s free; link’s in my profile if you want it.

This is my first finance stint so I'm not sure if this is the industry norm. My network mostly has non-finance professionals, making me turn to this sub—unsure if it is the correct one for this question.

It's a bit surprising as they've asked for this disclosure not just from me but from my spouse as well. And does this end up being a one-time thing or is this something they keep requesting periodically?

It is a senior-management non-client facing role, if relevant.

Edit: THANKS A TON! Your responses also gave me new things to add to my reading list 👋

is it worth shooting for ib this late as someone with a 4.0 (3.7 by end of semester) maybe hoped on 10 chats total half not in IB, and only have done some technical prep? coming from brown university.

Looking for some perspective from people in commercial banking, CRE lending, underwriting, credit risk, and asset management. I’m at a pretty interesting crossroads in my career and genuinely torn between two options.

Background:
I’m 30M with roughly 7–8 years of experience at a financial institution specializing in commercial real estate lending.
My career progression:
2019: Started as a credit/underwriting analyst focused on CRE bridge lending.
2020: Transitioned into underwriting for a specialized CRE asset class
2022: Moved into CRE asset management as our balance sheet grew.
2023–2026: Progressed through senior asset management into a VP role, now leading a CRE asset management team.

I also have an MBA.

Currently, I’m a VP overseeing a CRE asset management portfolio. I manage a team, oversee portfolio performance and risk, participate in executive-level discussions, interface with regulators, and have input on technology, processes, and broader business decisions.
Over the years, I’ve built a strong team that can operate fairly independently. My role has evolved into more of a leadership, oversight, and quality-control position rather than being in the weeds every day.

Current compensation: ~$160K base + 25% target bonus, with potential for SVP in the next 1–2 years.

The dilemma:
I’ve been planning to relocate from the Midwest to NYC in March 2027. My immediate leadership supports the idea, but relocating in my current VP role is a difficult sell because my entire team is based at HQ in the Midwest, and we’re approaching a significant acquisition/integration.

One of our EVPs proposed an alternative: transition back into CRE underwriting, likely as an AVP/Senior Underwriter, with an increase in compensation and the ability to relocate to NYC.

The logic is that this would allow me to strengthen my technical credit expertise, work on a growing pipeline of CRE transactions, and gain more experience underwriting complex deals.

I actually enjoyed underwriting earlier in my career. I originally left because asset management offered a clearer advancement opportunity, higher compensation, and the chance to build something.

As I’ve progressed into management, however, I’ve become increasingly removed from detailed credit analysis. I recognize that my technical underwriting skills aren’t as sharp as they used to be, and I see value in developing them further.

Option 1: Move to NYC and become an AVP/Senior Underwriter

Pros:
Higher base compensation (exact amount TBD).
Opportunity to live in NYC, something I’ve wanted to experience.
Rebuild and deepen technical CRE credit expertise.
Exposure to a growing transaction pipeline following the acquisition.
More deal execution, structuring, site visits, and relationships with loan originators.
Potentially broader exit opportunities into private credit, CRE debt funds, credit risk, originations, or senior credit leadership.

Cons:
Going from VP to AVP and losing my management responsibilities.
Giving up a team and platform I’ve spent years building.
Less involvement in executive-level strategic decisions.
Potentially worse work-life balance. Currently, I can delegate and travel relatively freely because my team handles day-to-day execution. Underwriting would put me back on the hook for individual deals and closing deadlines.
No clearly defined advancement path yet. I don’t want to become a career Senior Underwriter with limited leadership opportunities.
NYC cost of living will likely offset some of the compensation increase.

Option 2: Stay in the Midwest as VP of CRE Asset Management

Pros:
Maintain my leadership position, team, and executive exposure.
Potential SVP promotion within the next 1–2 years.
Continue developing as a business/platform leader.
Significant flexibility and autonomy over my schedule.
Opportunity to save aggressively and invest in additional real estate.

Cons:
Remain in the Midwest when I’ve wanted to experience living elsewhere.
Potentially become more tied to HQ as my leadership responsibilities increase.
Continue moving further away from hands-on underwriting and technical credit work.
Possibly limit my exposure to a larger financial market and external opportunities.

Financial/personal context:
I currently own a townhome in the Midwest that is rented out. I’m moving back in with my parents temporarily, which creates an opportunity to save a significant amount of money.

If I stay in the Midwest, my backup plan is to continue living at home, save aggressively, and potentially purchase another investment property while pursuing SVP.

If I move to NYC, I’m targeting approximately $4K/month in rent. I’d continue investing, but obviously wouldn’t be saving nearly as aggressively.
Long term, I’d like to eventually relocate to Los Angeles, where I grew up and have family.

One additional wild card: Both the NYC relocation and the potential role change ultimately require CEO approval. My immediate leadership is supportive, but nothing is guaranteed.

What I’m struggling with:
I’m not particularly concerned about losing the VP title itself. It’s more about giving up the leadership responsibilities, autonomy, executive visibility, and team I’ve built.

At the same time, I recognize that developing stronger technical credit expertise could make me a more well-rounded finance professional and potentially open different doors down the road.

I also don’t want to look back in five years and regret never taking the opportunity to live in NYC.

Questions for the community:
Would you give up a VP management position to return to an AVP/Senior Underwriter role for higher pay, deeper technical experience, and relocation?

How valuable is having both CRE underwriting and asset management leadership experience for future VP/Director/SVP-level credit positions?

Would this move be viewed negatively by external recruiters because of the title change, or could it be positioned as intentional career development?

What are realistic exit opportunities after 2–3 years of senior CRE underwriting experience?

Would you prioritize the leadership trajectory and real estate investing in the Midwest, or the technical development and NYC opportunity?

Interested in hearing from anyone who’s made a similar move from management back into an individual contributor role, particularly in banking, CRE finance, or private credit.

Appreciate any perspectives.

Hey I was wondering if anyone has heard back after doing the online assessments for Morgan Stanley's S&T off cycle internships in the UK. If you did, would you mind sharing your OA feedback and timeline?

Did anyone get an email today with their status

Has anyone had any experience with JPM's lateral analyst superdays, especially for corporate banking? How technical are they? When did you hear back after superday?

Anyone take it before and remember what it’s like?

Hi guys,im 17m and am a senior in high school.I recently got accepted into college and have a lot of free time on my hands since I dont have many hard classes I need to study for.With this extra time,I am hoping to do something productive for my career which might either help me land an internship in college or even secure a job after college graduation.What is something productive and finance related I can do to occupy my time.

Note: I used the networking flare, but I am also looking for advice as well. Also, I am NOT looking for roles in banking and investment firms.

Hello! I am currently working in AR as a Collections Specialist, and I am actively looking to transition to a corporate Credit Risk Analyst position in Greater Philadelphia and Berks regions of PA (also open to remote work).

For background, I'm currently working for a large staffing firm of which I have two years of experience in with one prior year of local government collections. I currently have a client portfolio of 500 companies, and my responsibilities include:

• Using advanced, specialized SaaS platforms (with AI tools) to monitor AR balances against credit insurance coverage and schedule client follow-up.
• Creating reporting for finance leadership that summarizes my top 10 high-priority accounts and possible unresolved exposure.
• Identifying increases in clients' spending and requesting additional coverage through our Director of Credit Management (my direct supervisor).
• Collaborate internally with billing and cash application teams to issue invoice corrections and maintain clean agings ( small balanced write-offs and reconciling unapplied cash).

I'm looking for individuals I can network with to better find these roles and start making this transition into something entry-level. I'd greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak to: those currently within this role and hiring managers/recruiters looking to full AR risk-related roles.

I've already taken initiative on researching these roles, taking notes of pre-requisites, and looking up relevant terminology outside of my current AR role. On top of networking opportunities, I'd kindly appreciate any further advice on any specific and up-to-date skills/knowledge that companies are looking for when it comes to those specifically making the leap from AR Specialist to Credit Risk Analyst.

Would additional collections experience across industries be beneficial before transitioning into a more credit-focused role, or is my current experience a solid foundation for making the move? While I did do research, I want to be sure it is accurate and that my goals are realistic.

I'm trying to find a more actionable path than just waiting of the perfect moment for an internal opportunity to arise, as I've already tried to take that initiative internally. Thank you so much for all of you guidance.

I have a trading offer with a major energy company that would require moving to Houston, and I currently based in NYC.

The opportunity interests me, but I’m honestly not very excited about living in Houston and don’t see myself staying there long term.

My eventual goal would be to work in commodities trading in NYC. I’m trying to understand whether spending one year in Houston would be a good way to get there.
For people familiar with the industry:

How realistic is a Houston-to-NYC move in commodities trading?

What firms and roles would be realistic exit opportunities?

Does starting in Houston open meaningful doors in NYC, or do most opportunities tend to keep you in Houston?

Would you take a promising opportunity in a city you don’t particularly like, or focus on finding something in your preferred location?

Would appreciate any firsthand experiences, especially from people who have made a similar move. Thank you!!

Hi guys. I'm a UK Humanities student who got lucky during spring week applications and emerged with a few decent springs. I managed to convert two of these and have ended up with two very different conflicting internship offers. I'm kind of at my wit's end about which one I should choose and I really don't want to fumble. Please knock some sense into me.

BB Trading: this is at a BB that's very good for markets (JPM / GS) in London. The intern cohort will be much bigger and I'll definitely have lower chance of grad scheme conversion with how cutthroat getting ROs can be. I don't know what desk I'd be on and would have little input, although I did position myself as someone more interested in distressed credit so that might have some bearing. I don't have a massive maths background, I've never done trading before outside of a few sims, and I have no idea if I'd be good at it or terrible; the interviewers liked me but that's literally the only proof I have that I'd be non-awful. Having said that, it's a Big Bank and rejecting that name feels genuinely insane. I don't think I'll ever get another shot at trading with my humanities background, especially somewhere so well-known for it.

ER at very big (500bn+) LO AM, also London. Kind of the opposite story. I've already completed a mini-internship of sorts with the firm as a follow-up from the spring week so I know people from both the hiring and the research teams quite well. I know I'm decent at the role because I performed well in the mini-internship and was explicitly prioritised r.e. the summer. I'd be part of a much smaller cohort and would stand a very strong chance at converting. The firm itself has a great upwards pipeline into PM roles.

Both have similar comps (trading a little higher but the internship is shorter by a week and sign-on bonus is lower so it evens out). Obviously the actual FT would be different.

I know I'd like buyside ER, and I like the firm too. I don't know if I'd like trading. But I don't know if I'll ever get this chance to try it again, and the Big Bank is That Big Bank and I feel like a madman to turn them down. Maybe I'm just getting horribly prestige-dazzled? 

I appreciate this is a bit of a lobster-buttery situation but the two are so different and I really, really don't want to fuck this up. I've got a pretty tight deadline to reply to the offers too. Any advice as to what the better choice is would be so appreciated--I feel like I'm fumbling in the dark at the moment.

I have two offers at pretty well known up and coming banks next summer (one American one Japanese). My top choice for role is in markets but that would be in a B tier city while the other option is in NYC - more of a banking role.

I'm not sure what to do here since NYC is home and where I'm most comfortable but I think that my personality and style fits markets/S&T very well and I'm a bit nervous about being glued to longer projects. I've been told that internal mobility is possible but not a guarentee in NYC over the summer.

Will also say there is no flexibility for location, the B tier city return offer will be for that same city.

Any advice or perspectives?

Can anyone shed some light on a career in brokering CMO’s, MBS, loan participations, subordinate debt, CD’s, bonds, etc to financial institutions? How lucrative can this be? Any other thoughts about a job of this nature?

I am posting here because I’m running out of ways to get the fuck out of Chicago. I am looking to relocate to nyc for a number of reasons but I’m having trouble. I know the market isn’t great and of nyc is competitive, but I see the same companies every day on LinkedIn. The big banks I have no shot at take up majority of my feed and the smaller firms don’t ever show up.

Unless the market is that bad right now I get it but is there another way to get exposure to opportunities out there without a network?

Cant seem to break into IB for the life of me despite having PE experience and direct deal client facing experience in consulting. Straight out of undergrad graduated 4 months ago.
Was also recruited as VP of Finance for a fintech startup during my sophomore year and did a lot of modeling for funding rounds.

Recently got rejected by an IB boutique because I dont have direct IB experience but they did extend an offer to a friend of mine from Big 4 that doesnt have IB experience either.

Quick question for those in London boutique M&A, Investor Relations, or Private Client Wealth Management.

We’ve launched a cross-border M&A and exit-readiness boutique (London / Zurich) focused on the £2M–£25M lower-middle market. Our technical team handles all financial recasting, valuation modeling, and CIM preparation, and we handle outbound deal origination internally.

However, our Founding Partner prefers to stay strictly on technical execution and off sales calls. We’re looking to appoint a polished, client-facing UK Managing Partner (ideally someone with an Investor Relations, Private Client, or Capital Raising pedigree who knows how to build rapport with 60-year-old company founders on Zoom) to lead our pre-booked valuation consultations and close our upfront exit-readiness mandates.

For those currently in London IR or Private Client roles: what kind of Partner equity + upfront retainer profit-share structure would make transitioning into a Day-One Managing Partner role at a boutique firm attractive to you?

I'm a second-year business student in Canada looking for a Summer 2027 finance internship, mainly in banking or corporate finance.

Please be direct. Which bullets sound vague or overstated? What would you cut first? Should the student investment club be under activities instead of professional experience?

If you review intern resumes, what would make you pass on this one?

I've anonymised identifying details and replaced exact figures with placeholders. Those figures are included in my actual resume. I'm looking for criticism of the content, wording and layout.

Did anyone else can get invite from Houlihan Lokey to connect on Suited? I did all of the required things (assessment) and it said that once I was done with that I'd be able to connect but everyday I've gotten an email saying that I need to accept the connection, but when I go in it says no pending invites? Is there a recruiting email I can write to or should I just send a general inquiry email on their website? I'm worried they can't see my profile.

I am currently a relationship banker at a branch in a HCOL city at a main big bank. I was offered Private Client Banker position at another big bank. I would take that job over my current one but the only issue is that it is a bit of a commute, so if I could get a similar PCB job at the same bank I am at now I would prefer it. They would pay around the same. How do you suggest I go about asking for it? Who should I speak to first? Intended start date is in 3 weeks.

It is worth noting I have less than a year in my current role.

How to prepare for citi commercial banking relationship manager SVP interview (L1)

I have had enough of architecture and its miserable workloads for little pay, I am willing to switch to finance and hoping my degree and 2 years of experience will be usefull in a transition, I am willing to study for up to 2 years since im still young, so my question is what part of finance is more suitable for me to transition to? I fancy Investement banking but if I am being reasonable I will probably end up in real state management or asset management at best. If anyone made the jump tell me what careers have good pay and good futur and in which my experience would be valuable. thanks in advance !