Getting an Internship After Your Freshman Year
Episode 4 | September 23, 2024
Landing an internship after freshman year can feel like an uphill battle, but as Bentley University student Samuel proves, it’s not impossible. In Episode 4 of the Adventis Coffee Chat podcast, host Mike sits down with Samuel to discuss how he broke into finance early, built his network from scratch, and used the Financial Modeling Certification® (FMC®) Program to strengthen his technical foundation.
Taking the Initiative Early
“Getting an internship after your freshman year is pretty difficult,” Samuel admits. “Most places aren’t looking for freshmen.” Instead of waiting for opportunities to appear, he took matters into his own hands, emailing alumni from his high school in Denver until one local investment bank took a chance on him.
That first internship lasted eight months and gave him hands-on exposure to deal processes, industry reports, and financial analysis. “That experience really solidified that I wanted to do investment banking,” he says.
When it came time to apply for his sophomore summer role, Samuel doubled down on what worked: networking. “I really utilized Bentley alumni, firing off emails and LinkedIn messages. The biggest thing there is just volume. If you get a rejection, you’re in the same exact place as you started.”
Networking with Intention
Samuel emphasizes that effective networking isn’t about collecting contacts, it’s about building genuine relationships. “Be curious. Don’t go in just trying to get a referral. Do your research, show interest, and be respectful of their time.”
To manage his outreach, Samuel tracked contacts in Excel, noting who he had spoken with, how many calls they’d had, and when to follow up. His organized approach helped him turn cold messages into valuable connections — and interviews.
He also shared a useful tip: “I used a free Chrome extension called Apollo.io to find emails. Cold outreach over email felt different from the hundreds of LinkedIn messages people get.”
Standing Out in Interviews
Once he got in the door, Samuel focused on mastering the technical and behavioral sides of interviews. “Memorizing 1,400 questions won’t help if you don’t understand the concepts,” he says. “The FMC® Program really helped me see how the financial statements connect — instead of just memorizing answers.”
That conceptual understanding paid off when firms tested his ability to think critically. “In one interview, they gave me a company summary and asked what I’d do if I were the analyst. Because I’d practiced actual modeling in Excel, I knew how to approach it.”
Samuel also highlighted the value of professionalism: sending thank-you notes, maintaining attention to detail, and being prepared to discuss both successes and failures. “Behavioral questions top the cake every single time,” he advises. “If you’re not a cultural fit, there’s nothing you can do to save your chances.”
Persistence Pays Off
From freshman outreach emails to multiple super days, Samuel’s journey reflects both persistence and preparation. “It’s a roller coaster,” he admits. “You’ll have high highs and low lows, but if you keep pushing, something will eventually pan out.”
For underclassmen looking to follow his path, Samuel’s advice is clear: start early, stay organized, and invest in your skills. “Doing the FMC® Program early on gave me confidence and a strong foundation. It’s about building skills that last beyond one interview.”
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