Does a senior executive referral actually move the needle in JPM's internship process?

So I've been looking into JPMorgan's internship program in São Paulo and I'm trying to figure out my actual chances here.

I'm an civil engineering student with a solid resume. On the development side I've been actively working on things I think actually matter like AI tools, and on the softer side I take theater classes which has helped a lot with communication and presence.

Here's the thing : I had a call with a senior executive there. He told me to hit him up when I apply and that he'd back me through the process. Said I can reach out anytime with questions too.

Still figuring out which area makes the most sense for my profile. I enjoy Python and working with data, but I'm also a pretty social person. I like presenting, collaborating, working with people. So I'm somewhere between the more technical and the more people-facing sides, and I haven't fully decided yet. Part of the reason I want this internship is to explore that and figure out where I actually fit.

Few things I'm genuinely curious about:

- Does having a senior executive in your corner actually make a difference in the internship process, or is HR going to do their thing regardless?

- Which areas would you say are the most realistic entry points for an civil engineering profile in the SP office?

Appreciate any real input, good or bad.