Hello, I am relatively new to the forums and would like some advice on the path I should take to break into Investment banking.
MY BACKGROUND: I didn't perform spectacularly in high-school, which landed me at a non-target (think SMU/Florida State caliber). I then got great grades my freshman year of college (as a finance major), and have recently been accepted as a transfer to a target school (think UChicago/ Northwestern/ Michigan/ Dartmouth caliber) which I will be attending for economics (my school doesn't offer undergrad business) as a sophomore this fall. During this summer I've worked as an analyst at a top-10 Fortune 500 company (think Exxon mobile, General Electric, Chevron Texaco), a job I got through connections. Although my role is hardly financial, I have come in contact with high-dollar projects and can hopefully spin my experience somewhat positively.
MY QUESTION: With recruiting season coming up, I'm wondering what type of internship I should aim for, and what firms/type of firms I should target. I would like to get into investment banking, but have read mixed reports on whether that is attainable as a sophomore-summer gig. What should I be doing to help my chances? What's my next best opportunity if that doesn't work out this year to put me in position for a BBIBD internship after my junior year?
P.S. I've had difficulty finding clarity as to the different divisons of banks, and what constitutes an IBD internship.... (i.e. is Sales and Trading an IBD internship? what about the "Markets" division of Deutsche Bank... I know they recruit sophomores at my school. is that IBD?) Any articles that would help me understand this would be great, I appreciate any attempts to point me in the right direction. Thank you for your time.
