I’m looking for honest reviews on my resume as I seek entry-level positions and internships in finance. I realize that I lack direct experience in investment banking, which could be an obstacle. However, I have secured a summer internship with a leading energy company that is among the top 10 worldwide in market capitalization. Considering my background in the energy sector, should I concentrate my applications on investment banking and private equity firms that are involved with renewable energy and related industries? Would this targeted strategy be more effective than casting a wider net? Any suggestions on showcasing my energy experience would be greatly appreciated. I’m also open to general tips for enhancing my resume, as I want to ensure that I stand out in this competitive field.
that energy internship’s actually solid - don’t undersell it. instead of only hittin energy-focused firms, use it to show you get deal flow and industry dynamics. most people applying have zero real sector knowledge. make sure your resume shows impact, not just tasks - did you build models or just shuffle PowerPoints? also, network hard at your current spot. energy people jump around a lot in finance.
Your energy internship gives you a huge edge that most candidates don’t have. Sure, you could target energy-focused firms, but I’d cast a wider net and play up your sector expertise everywhere you apply.
The trick is showing how your energy background translates to finance skills. You understand commodity cycles, regulatory stuff, and how to evaluate big capital projects - banks love that.
Don’t just list what you did during your internship. Quantify your impact and show you can think analytically. Banks want people who can jump into market conversations from day one, and your energy experience is perfect for that.
Check out this guide for optimizing finance resumes:
It’s got solid frameworks for presenting sector experience. You’ve already got the top-tier energy company on your resume - now make sure it shows the analytical thinking and business insights you picked up there.
Honestly, you’ll get the same generic rejection emails either way - whether you target energy-focused firms or spray and pray everywhere. The “leverage your energy background” advice sounds nice, but most investment banks care way more about your GPA and school than your relevant internship experience. That said, energy-focused shops might at least get you past initial screening since you can actually discuss the sector intelligently instead of fumbling through buzzwords about digital transformation.