How to Make Your Resume Stand Out for an Investment Banking Internship

Securing an investment banking internship is highly competitive, with hundreds of applicants vying for a limited number of spots. To ensure your resume stands out, it must effectively showcase your skills, experience, and readiness for the role. Below, we’ll cover the key elements of a strong resume tailored specifically for an investment banking internship.

1. Start with a Strong Education Section

Your education is one of the first things recruiters will look for, so make this section shine:

• School Name and Degree: Include your major(s), minor(s), and expected graduation date.

• GPA: If your GPA is 3.5 or higher, feature it prominently. If below, omit it and focus on other strengths.

• Relevant Coursework: Highlight finance-specific courses such as “Corporate Finance,” “Investment Analysis,” or “Financial Modeling.”

• Certifications: Mention certifications like Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC), CFA Level I, or Wall Street Prep programs.

2. Highlight Relevant Experience

Recruiters look for hands-on experience that shows you’re ready to step into the fast-paced world of investment banking.

• Internships: Include past internships, even if they weren’t in finance, and focus on transferable skills. For example:

• “Prepared detailed financial reports and analyzed market trends to assist in client decision-making.”

• Quantify Achievements: Numbers catch the eye.

For example: • “Managed a $10,000 student investment fund, achieving a 15% annual return over six months.”

• Group Projects: If you worked on a financial analysis project, mention it:

• “Collaborated with a team to create a discounted cash flow model for a Fortune 500 company.”

3. Showcase Technical Skills

Technical skills are essential for investment banking, and recruiters need to see that you can hit the ground running.

• Excel: Proficiency in creating financial models and performing data analysis.

• Financial Modeling: Highlight familiarity with DCF, LBO, or comparable analyses.

• PowerPoint: Ability to design and deliver professional pitch decks.

• Additional Tools: Include Bloomberg Terminal, FactSet, or similar tools if you’ve used them.

4. Demonstrate Leadership and Extracurricular Involvement

Investment banking values leadership and initiative. Your participation in student organizations can set you apart.

• Leadership Roles: Mention any finance clubs, investment societies, or leadership roles:

• “President of the Finance Club, organized a speaker series with industry professionals, increasing membership by 40%.”

• Competitions: Participation in case competitions is a big plus:

• “Finalist in XYZ Case Competition; presented an M&A strategy to a panel of investment banking professionals.”

5. Add a Personal Interests Section

A well-rounded resume includes a glimpse into who you are outside of work. Personal interests can serve as conversation starters in interviews.

• Examples: Marathon running, learning foreign languages, competitive chess, or cooking.

• Avoid overly generic interests like “reading” or “travel.”

6. Ensure Good Formatting and Attention to Detail

A polished, error-free resume is non-negotiable in investment banking.

• Formatting: Use consistent fonts, bullet points, and headings.

• Length: Keep your resume to one page.

• Proofreading: No grammatical mistakes. Have a friend, classmate, or career center professional review your resume.

7. Focus on Networking and Referrals

Often, the resume is only one piece of the puzzle. Networking can make all the difference.

• Informational Interviews: Reach out to alumni or professionals to learn more about their experiences and get advice.

• Referrals: A referral from a current employee or former intern can significantly boost your chances.

• Career Centers: Take advantage of resume reviews, mock interviews, and networking events.

8. Make It Easy to Skim

Investment banking recruiters often spend 30 seconds to 5 minutes reviewing a resume. Make yours stand out at a glance. • Use concise, action-oriented bullet points.

• Highlight achievements and technical skills in bold or numbers where appropriate.

• Organize sections logically, with the most relevant experience at the top.

9. Tailor Your Resume to Each Role

Every bank has slightly different priorities. Adjust your resume to reflect the specific role and firm.

• Incorporate keywords from the job description, such as “valuation,” “M&A,” or “capital markets.”

• Reference any prior exposure to the firm (e.g., attended a networking event or spoke with an employee).

Conclusion

Your resume is your first impression in the competitive world of investment banking. By focusing on education, relevant experience, technical skills, leadership, and personal interests, you’ll ensure it stands out. Pair this strong foundation with networking and attention to detail, and you’ll be well on your way to securing an internship in finance.