Hello all,
Long time forum stalker, first time poster.
A little background on myself:
I'm a rising Junior at the University of Southern California. I'm majoring in Economics and at the moment have a cumulative GPA of 3.8
My EC's include the the Trojan Investing Society, Entrepreneurs Club, and a Business Fraternity on campus
My internships include being an M&A research assistant for an independent wealth advisory firm and a summer research analyst for a boutique bank (GreenWorld Capital, LLC).
I should, however, clarify that my "analyst" title at GreenWorld Capital is not an accurate representation of my duties and responsibilities as an intern. I primarily do either industry/company research or work on adding to/streamlining their database. I don't do any actual valuation or modeling.
I've also recently signed up for Breaking Into Wall Street and have begun learning the material presented on their website.
With all of that said campus recruiting begins in early fall at USC and I'm paranoid about securing a summer analyst position at any of the BB for next summer given the current economic climate and extremely competitive nature of the position.
Is there absolutely anything at all that I can do that I am not already doing to bolster my odds of securing a position? Material I should research, get more EC's, anything at all?
I also have an offer for an unpaid internship as a financial planners assistant at UBS (basically making cold-calls). However, I'm not really sure that position would be in any way relevant to IBD.
I'm open to any advice.
Thank you in advance.
tip 1- don't call yourself an M&A research analyst at a WM firm. Its like feeling a wet mouth around your dick only to find out its a guy. If I saw that, straight to the bulletin board for public laughter.
Haha..I LOLed
Do you have a suggestion as far as what to refer to the title then? To be honest, only reason I went with it is because that was the title given on the internship site where I got it in the first place.
Honestly, your EC's and GPA alone are enough to get you first round interviews at most, if not all of the banks that recruit at SC. The biggest thing you should focus on from there is to come across as a likeable and interesting person during the information sessions and interviews. So many of the kids at these events act like huge tools by asking stupid questions, sweating through their suits and awkwardly hovering next to the reps for extended periods of time. Be confident and try to have a real conversation so they actually remember your name when sifting through resumes. Don't bring any of the typical tool accessories such as the Marshall business card, square toe shoes and the man purse. Judging from your GPA and business fraternity affiliation you may need to go party a few times this summer to become well versed in engaging both the same and opposite sexes.
Also, try to meet some of the kids who already have SA stints at your desired firms this summer. Once the info sessions begin in the spring (FT is in the fall) you will definitely have a leg up if you know someone who has already recieved a full time offer as they can recommend you and also tell you what to focus on ahead of time. More likely than not, they will be at the events too and can introduce you to other people.
I appreciate your concern about my social life =). Econ isn't exactly the most difficult major and I'm actually in a greek fraternity as well. It just doesn't seem relevant so I did not list it.
When speaking to the recruiters would you recommend sticking to technical questions or casual conversation, perhaps a mixture of both?
lol what technical questions are you gonna be asking them at the info session? Just stick to a casual interesting conversation
Thank you guys for the constructive advice thus far. I know it can be aggravating/annoying to see someone new to the field asking relatively dumb questions =D.
Better to ask them here as opposed to when it counts
More than likely, the on-campus interviewers will be alumni. SO, try to find alumni who are working at the firms coming to campus and try to network with them. If you already have a history with the interviewers, chances are it will guarantee you interviews and can only help (hopefully, unless you screw up the networking royally).
I go to USC too. I am interested in TIS. What capacity is your involvement? Do you have to be in Marshall?
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