The Wall Street Intern Profile: Nike Fades, Chipotle Reigns

If you are searching for the next generation of Wall Street talent, look for the 21-year-old in On sneakers carrying a luxury handbag. A recent Morgan Stanley survey of 500 North American summer interns reveals a cohort defined by specific status symbols, ranging from their preference for hybrid vehicles to a loyalty toward Chipotle.

Corp and Tech·August 22, 2026·reads: 714

Nike remains the top sneaker choice for interns, yet its dominance is shrinking rapidly. While 58% of respondents favored the brand in 2021, that figure has plummeted to 28% this year. Swiss-based On has surged into second place, capturing 13% of the demographic. This shift in footwear mirrors a broader migration in apparel, where Zara maintains a narrow lead at 22%, closely trailed by Uniqlo and Lululemon. Notably, Ralph Lauren has seen a resurgence, as younger consumers increasingly utilize luxury labels to signal identity and status.

Lifestyle choices among these interns underscore a commitment to wellness and convenience. Over half prefer indoor gym workouts, cementing fitness as a core component of their daily routine. This health-conscious trend extends to dining, where Chipotle dominates the fast-casual category with a 57% preference rate, far outpacing Chick-fil-A and Cava. In the morning, independent coffee shops have narrowly eclipsed Starbucks, capturing 49% of the vote.

Transportation preferences reflect a pragmatic approach to mobility. Mercedes remains the preferred car brand, though Tesla struggles to gain traction with this group. When choosing how to travel, these interns show a clear preference for hybrid vehicles over fully electric models. Furthermore, the divide between Uber and Waymo for ride-hailing services is narrowing, with 31% choosing the former and 29% opting for the latter, signaling a growing comfort with autonomous transit options.