How do I get traction from a Non-target after I just graduated

Hello WSO Community,

I recently graduated from a non-target university on the West Coast, majoring in Finance and Economics. Despite my dedicated networking efforts over the past year and a half, I have yet to secure any interviews or offers for IB positions. 

I transitioned into finance later in my academic journey and lack a traditional internship background. However, I possess all the necessary skills and knowledge for an analyst role, gained through my experiences working for a startup, a major retail corporation, and a political consulting firm.

I have diligently followed the common advice of maintaining an Excel sheet to track my networking activities, consistently following up with contacts, and reaching out to recruiters and alumni. However, despite my efforts, I have not achieved the desired results. People tell me too that I have an incredible resume (humbly stating). 

At this point, I am unsure if I am running out of time or if there are alternative strategies I should explore before considering other options. I am open to suggestions on how to modify my approach or try new tactics in order to increase my chances of landing an IB position.

I would greatly appreciate any precise insights, advice, or success stories from individuals who have faced similar challenges or possess expertise in the investment banking industry. Please also reach out if there is someone I can connect with in the event they are hiring. 

Thank you!

 

Hey noahg2023, I swear if I had a silver banana for every lonely thread I posted too I'd be richer than @compbanker ...

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What university? Are you targeting regional boutiques and smaller PE funds? What was your spark for wanting IB, and what do you say in interviews? What job do you have right now? Without interning in finance during university it will be a harder sell to break in for full time. I would suggest you network your way into something as close to finance as possible and then do an MSF in a year.

Feel free to PM me I went to a west coast non-target. Started in IB now in PE.

 

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