The Myth of Pre-MBA Internship

In the last few weeks, I've been getting tons of PMs from various members regarding pre-MBA internship opportunities. How does one find such an opportunity? What kind of opportunities are out there? Is it something one must do before starting his or her first year in the MBA program?

Pre-MBA internship is not too common but others have done it. (In my opinion, the opportunities are out there for people who are seeking for such opportunity) Some spent time with a PE/VC, etc to build his/her resume to get into the industry that he/she is attracted to. If you are really interested in pre-MBA internship, you will have to network a lot. Some MC firms also host pre-MBA social events and opportunities targeted towards ppl admitted to prestigious MBA programs.

For example, previous members of this forum:
* Did his/her pre MBA internship with a healthcare company before attending Kellogg
* Did his/her pre MBA internship with a PE firm before attending Wharton

I did a pre MBA internship with a VC firm in order to build my resume targeted towards technology firms in the West Coast. But the experience also gave me tons to discuss during my IB internship interviews. The pre MBA internship gave me the opportunity to learn a lot about how VC firms work with its portfolio companies, etc.

If you are interested in doing a pre MBA internship, remember that the opportunity may be paid or unpaid. In addition, this probably means that either, you will have to quit your job sooner than planned, or sacrifice your summer (right before bschool) working.

Here are various links that you can go through to get some perspective: (But Mostly to Demonstrate that Pre-MBA Internships are more common than one would imagine)

* Pre MBA Internship at Tech Start Up Company - London Business School student
* JP Morgan Pre MBA - MBA Early Advantage Program
* Citi Pre MBA Fellowship Program
* Lehman Brothers used to have a Pre MBA Internships? - INSEAD
* MLT Fellowship includes opportunities for Pre-MBA Internship
* Eli Lilly Bonini Scholars - Pre MBA Internship - Stanford GSB
* Emailing for Pre-MBA Internships
* Examples of Pre MBA Internship Found on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/cory-a-croft/3/963/746
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/francesco-r ... /4/b78/1a8
* Kellogg Student's Pre MBA VC Internship (more)
* Booth Student's Pre MBA Internship @ UBS

Indiana MBA (Kelley) Program's Response to Helping Its Students w Pre MBA Internships: Yes, some companies sometimes offer pre-MBA internships. While we do not coordinate a Pre-MBA internship program per se, we are happy to provide our incoming MBAs with contacts and resources to facilitate their pre-MBA internship search. Understand though that your ability to secure an internship will primarily depend on your ability to convey your value as an MBA candidate for any given company. I would suggest that you connect with me offline (mboutla@indiana.edu) so that we can see how our office can help you with career self-assessment, exploration and your internship search through Kelley. https://www.accepted.com/chat/transcript ... rtium.aspx