As summer winds down, thousands of aspiring investment bankers are wrapping up their internships at top financial firms, anxiously awaiting one thing: the return offer.
On Wall Street, a summer internship is much more than a résumé booster. It’s a high-stakes audition for a full-time position — the golden ticket to an investment banking career. With intense competition and pressure to stand out, it’s crucial for interns to go beyond technical skills and cultivate the mindset of a successful banker.
One person who understands this journey intimately is Regina Savage, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, and one of the key figures behind Rivian’s landmark IPO in 2021. Her career — marked by strategic pivots, a focus on self-awareness, and relentless pursuit of excellence — offers a blueprint for young professionals seeking to break into the industry.
In this in-depth feature, we’ll explore Savage’s path to the top, her advice to interns and new hires, and what it really takes to thrive on Wall Street today.
From LA to the Financial Pinnacle: Savage’s Path
Regina Savage didn’t plan to dominate the electric vehicle investment space. She started her career at Goldman Sachs in Los Angeles, advising on media mergers and acquisitions. In 2009, she transitioned to Morgan Stanley, where her career took a significant turn.
Just as the auto industry was emerging from crisis, Morgan Stanley needed someone to help restructure Chrysler after its bankruptcy. Savage volunteered — a decision that would define her trajectory.
“You don’t know where the opportunities are going to be. You just have to be ready to grab them when they come,” she says.
Her bold move into the automotive space led her to become Global Head of Automotive and Mobility Technology, overseeing deals in electric and autonomous vehicles — from Tesla to Waymo and beyond. Today, she also co-heads North America Industrials, helping manufacturers navigate complex M&A deals.
The High Stakes of Wall Street Internships
Internships on Wall Street aren’t just about coffee runs and data entry. They’re proving grounds — a chance for young professionals to demonstrate their ability to handle real deals under pressure.
“You’re only going to be successful at this job if you find it interesting,” Savage says.
She emphasizes that curiosity, resilience, and a genuine passion for the work matter more than technical brilliance alone. Interns who ask “why” instead of just “how” — those who want to understand the strategy behind a pitch deck — are the ones who leave lasting impressions.
Key Traits Savage Looks For:
- Curiosity about the business
- Enthusiasm for learning
- Adaptability in fast-paced situations
- Positive attitude, even under pressure
“Attitude is well more than 50% of what makes somebody truly great at that level,” she says. “We can teach you the skills you need.”
Productivity by Design: The Power of Lists and Mornings
Savage is ruthlessly strategic with her time. As a managing director constantly traveling and meeting clients, she swears by early mornings and checklists.
“I’m most productive in the morning,” she explains. “I get my coffee, log in early, and triage everything that came in overnight.”
Each week, she reviews and resets her priority list — ensuring her energy is spent on what truly matters. It’s a system that keeps her grounded amid chaos, and one that she encourages young professionals to adopt early.
“A clear list helps you focus on the most impactful work — not just the most urgent,” she advises.
Say Yes to the Unexpected
One of Savage’s most valuable lessons for interns? Embrace the unexpected.
Her expertise in auto tech didn’t come from a long-term plan — it came from a willingness to say “yes” to unglamorous, difficult work. Helping lead Chrysler’s restructuring wasn’t a guaranteed spotlight, but it opened the door to a fast-growing, high-impact niche.
“Being resilient and adaptable, and jumping at opportunities with both hands — that’s the number one piece of advice I would give,” she says.
Young professionals often focus on perfect paths. But Savage warns that career paths aren’t linear. Being present, open, and courageous often matters more than having a five-year plan.
Regret is a Distraction
In high-stakes environments like Wall Street, it’s easy to fixate on missed chances. But Savage says dwelling on “what could’ve been” is a waste of precious energy.
“There’s no point in looking at closed doors. Don’t waste calories, energy, or brainpower on regret.”
Instead, she encourages interns to focus on the now, and keep moving forward — a mindset that helps navigate both setbacks and success.
Know Your Superpower
Perhaps the most profound advice from Savage is about self-awareness. In an industry filled with alpha personalities and loud confidence, she encourages young professionals to embrace who they truly are.
“Know your superpower,” she says. “People try to emulate others, but nobody is you.”
She admits she’s not the most charismatic person in the room. Instead, her strengths lie in connecting dots, synthesizing information, and seeing patterns across sectors. Recognizing these strengths — and owning them — was key to her rise.
“There are people who strut into a room and command attention. That’s not me — but I know what I do best.”
She encourages newcomers, especially young women, to seek out role models who share their strengths. And when those aren’t visible, she advises blending elements from multiple mentors to forge your own style.
Advice for Young Women on Wall Street
Savage is acutely aware of the gender gap in finance and the challenges that come with it. Women often lack clear role models who share their communication style or strengths.
“It’s a lot less likely that there’s another woman you’re working with who has a similar skillset to emulate,” she explains.
Her solution? Curate your mentors. Take inspiration from different people — men and women — and combine those insights in a way that fits your voice.
“It’s about finding what works for you, not trying to fit a mold.”
Success Isn’t a Straight Line
Regina Savage’s story underscores that success on Wall Street isn’t formulaic. It’s not just about top schools or perfect résumés. It’s about staying sharp, knowing your value, and grabbing the right opportunities at the right moment.
Whether you’re an intern aiming for a return offer or a professional climbing the ladder, her lessons are timeless:
- Be present and adaptable
- Cultivate your curiosity
- Own your strengths
- Don’t chase someone else’s path
- Forget regret and focus on what’s next
As Wall Street continues to evolve with new tech, shifting markets, and rising expectations, those who succeed will be those who can blend skill with authenticity, just as Savage has done.
