Gracelynn Wiest '26 Investment Banking Summer Analyst

Gracelynn Wiest '26 (Finance) was an Investment Banking Summer Analyst at Bank of America in New York, NY.

Finding summer housing in New York City can feel daunting at first. Fortunately, there are several intern housing options throughout the city, which make securing a guaranteed place to stay for twelve weeks much easier. Personally, I lived alone during my sophomore summer but decided to have a random roommate this past summer as a junior—and I genuinely enjoyed both experiences, so I feel very fortunate overall. Regarding costs, Bank of America provides a housing stipend, which helps cover some of the up-front expenses associated with moving into your summer accommodations. It’s also worth noting that Eller offers numerous scholarships to help offset summer internship expenses—just check ScholarshipUniverse for available opportunities.

What was the process for getting this internship, job, or summer experience? 

Candidly, the process of securing investment banking summer roles can be challenging, as applications often open twelve to eighteen months in advance. This creates a significant learning curve between what is required for interviews and what has been covered in the classroom, often necessitating extensive independent study. Additionally, networking is critical in this field, given the large number of highly qualified candidates competing for each internship. Building connections and remaining persistent within the firms you are applying to is one of the most effective ways to stand out and remain competitive. 

What was your favorite part of the experience?

My favorite part of the experience was learning from the people around me and having constant access to a wide range of perspectives and ideas. Being surrounded by such a thoughtful and collaborative group pushed me to think more creatively and approach problems from a more holistic standpoint than I could have on my own. This sense of community extended beyond the office—my intern class grew close on a personal level, which made work even more enjoyable. We supported each other in our curiosity and learned from our mistakes, fostering a constructive environment that allowed us all to grow. Overall, I truly valued the community I was able to be a part of and the opportunity to work alongside such inspiring individuals this summer.

What did you find most challenging?

Personally, the greatest challenge for me in a setting like this has been managing the intense sense of imposter syndrome, which at times felt overwhelming. Internship environments can be intimidating—especially when many peers come from finance-focused backgrounds or private schools. However, I quickly realized that the University of Arizona prepares its students well for these experiences, both socially and technically, and I have rarely felt behind my peers. That said, I still sometimes struggle to get out of my own way. I’ve found the most effective way to manage these feelings is by surrounding myself with supportive people and maintaining a consistent outlet outside of work. For me, this meant going on morning runs throughout the summer. Taking that time to reset each day allowed me to enter the office feeling more mindful, confident, and composed.

How did Eller prepare you for this experience?

I owe much of my preparedness for this internship to Eller. Courses like BCOM, along with networking events and student organizations, gave me the opportunity to develop and refine the soft skills that made collaborating and communicating effectively in a team environment much more natural. On the technical side, my upper-division finance courses, combined with resources and preparatory materials offered through Eller, provided me with a strong foundation in high finance and a clear understanding of the tasks I would be performing day to day. By the time I started the internship, I felt confident and ready to contribute. Eller truly set me up for success this summer!