Wall Street CEO's 20 Game-Changing Tips for Gen Z Interns to Excel in Their Careers

Rich Handler, CEO of Jefferies, shares invaluable advice for Gen Z interns to navigate their summer internships successfully and set the foundation for their future careers.

Act Like It's Your Full-Time Career

Handler emphasizes the importance of treating your internship as if it's your full-time job. "If you act immediately in your internship like this is 100% your full-time career, you will optimize your experience," he says. It's all about attitude and making the most of every opportunity.

Building Relationships is Key

• Connect with your team and fellow interns. These relationships can be pivotal for your career.
• Network across the firm. Understanding different areas can help you find where you truly fit.

Professionalism and Integrity

• Act with maturity and humility. The real world demands professionalism.
• Choose integrity. Ethical lapses can ruin promising careers.

Work-Life Balance

Despite the intense workload, Handler advises interns to "have a life" and maintain some balance. Planning fun activities post-internship can be a great reward.

Self-Reflection

• Assess if this career is right for you. Use the internship to evaluate your fit in the industry.
• Think beyond the internship. It's okay if this path isn't for you; there are always other opportunities.

Top 20 Tips from Rich Handler

1. Build relationships with the full-time team.
2. Connect with other interns—it's not a competition.
3. Adapt to the ever-changing environment.
4. Learn about the entire firm.
5. Treat the internship as your career.
6. Understand assignments thoroughly before starting.
7. Value time with clients.
8. Stay informed about current events.
9. Evaluate if this career suits you.
10. Always choose integrity.
11. Take time to think, not just do.
12. Maintain a work-life balance.
13. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
14. Remember the real impact of your work.
15. Have fun and enjoy the experience.
16. Help others secure internships in the future.
17. Lead with humility and confidence.
18. Embrace maturity—you're in the real world now.
19. Plan something rewarding after the internship.
20. Keep perspective—it's not the end of the world if things don’t go as planned.