Investment banking internships are a crucial stepping stone for aspiring finance professionals. Interns typically assist full-time bankers on a variety of tasks, providing exposure to different facets of deal execution and client management. While the specific responsibilities vary depending on the group (e.g., M&A, Leveraged Finance, Equity Capital Markets), bank, and the intern’s skillset, some common tasks are prevalent across the board.
Financial Modeling and Analysis: A cornerstone of any investment banking internship is financial modeling. Interns will often build, update, and debug financial models used for valuation purposes. This can include creating Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models, precedent transaction analysis, and comparable company analysis. They might also be tasked with analyzing financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement) to identify key trends and potential investment opportunities. Proficiency in Excel is paramount, and interns are expected to quickly grasp more advanced techniques like sensitivity analysis and scenario planning.
Market Research and Due Diligence: Investment banks rely heavily on accurate market data. Interns contribute by conducting extensive market research on industries, competitors, and potential targets. This involves gathering information from databases like Bloomberg, FactSet, and Capital IQ, as well as industry reports and news articles. They also assist in due diligence processes, which might entail reviewing legal documents, contracts, and other relevant information to assess the risks and opportunities associated with a potential transaction.
Pitch Book Preparation: A significant part of an investment banker’s job involves creating compelling presentations, or “pitch books,” to win new business or advise clients on strategic alternatives. Interns play a vital role in crafting these materials. They might be responsible for preparing market overviews, company profiles, valuation summaries, and deal rationales. This process involves synthesizing complex information into concise and visually appealing slides. Attention to detail and strong presentation skills are crucial for excelling in this area.
Deal Execution Support: Interns often support the deal execution process by assisting with tasks such as preparing data room materials, coordinating with legal counsel, and managing communication among different parties involved in the transaction. This can include tasks like organizing documents, updating timelines, and tracking progress on various aspects of the deal.
Administrative Tasks: While not glamorous, administrative tasks are a necessary part of any internship. This can include scheduling meetings, preparing expense reports, and maintaining client databases. These tasks help ensure the smooth operation of the team and provide interns with valuable organizational skills.
Overall, an investment banking internship offers a demanding but rewarding experience. Success requires a strong work ethic, a keen analytical mind, excellent communication skills, and a willingness to learn quickly. The skills and knowledge gained during the internship are invaluable for launching a successful career in finance.