Recent non-target grad -- advice

What's up, everyone. First of all, I am a long time lurker & just want to thank everyone for the great content here. I've decided to stop being a little bitch and ask for help!

I recently graduated from a non-target in SoCal; Finance w/ a 3.3 GPA. My goal is to break into IB, boutique or BB. I know networking is key, but over the summer I've been focused on building my tech. skills which I think will help when I really start to network.

I would appreciate any advice regarding my current situation and options. I currently have a job outside the finance field, and have the opportunity to interview for a similar position with higher pay. But I also have the opportunity to move to the silicon valley.

Should I take the non-finance role in LA (while still attempting to break in) or move to the SV and focus solely on IB? Also, if I were to take the non-finance role, will that hinder networking or my chances of breaking in?

Any advice is greatly appreciated, thank you!

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (20) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”