Incoming SA, yet very depressed

Hi guys, it's my first time writing a post on WSO (forgive my grammar since I am not a native speaker haha). I recently received an S&T SA offer from one of the top BB (GS/MS/JPM) and I wanna share my story with you guys while also see if you could offer me some advice.

Getting a SA offer has always been my goal since university. Yet, I did not feel any joy when I finally achieved my goal; instead, I was feeling pretty depressed when I started thinking the long run and the people I will be working with.

I came from an underpriviledged background (non-target, low income family) and sometimes I feel that I don't belong to the IB circle where majority of people come from top schools, wealth backgrounds and very outgoing, making me nerdy and shy in comparison. I am afraid I will not have the "cultural fit" or will be regarded as inferior.....

On the other hand, I begin to wonder if buyside equity fund is more suitable for me since I am more interested in investing methodologies (e.g. value investing, GAARP, different stock valuation methods). Is it difficult to move from S&T to buyside given that I would be in a sales role this summer?

Would be great if you guys could give me your thoughts, much appreciated!

 

Your an intern. All these internship roles are similar enough that it really doesn’t matter.

I wouldn’t assume all these kids come from wealthy backgrounds. Likely a mix. Lot of kids with real money are too lazy for banks.

 

I would say be yourself, but don't be weird. If you want a job there, then go with the flow, whatever comes with it. You just have to know your limits. Luckily, it's not the 80s, so don't expect people to just outright offer you drugs. But, even if you're drinking, unless you are used to it, don't be afraid to turn down that 3rd or 4th or 5th offer. If the team likes talking about sports, turn on ESPN and open the app to check scores frequently. It's just about fitting in but staying humble and true to yourself. Don't try too hard and be choosy with what you say or how you carry yourself. If everyone speaks softly, then mirror that, so to speak. Hope this helps.

 

First off, congrats on your offer. Secondly, what is wrong with you? You have achieved of landing an offer that most people would kill for and you're here depressed? Quit trolling. Thirdly, if you, as mentioned, came from an underprivileged background and MADE IT to the top where you're surrounded by top tier folks, shouldn't you be proud of yourself? If I were in your shoes, I would NEVER feel inferior, rather I would use this as motivation to go above and beyond.

On your next point, what you have to worry about is just killing it and doing well this summer to receive that FT offer.

 
Best Response

Placeat nesciunt vel nisi odio labore blanditiis. Ipsam repudiandae odio maiores voluptas vero accusantium.

Et aut expedita et ipsum adipisci accusamus earum. Omnis voluptatem soluta ipsam similique eos consequatur velit. Provident ab voluptatibus eum tenetur mollitia.

Molestiae fuga assumenda est. A et exercitationem quia quos eos rerum doloribus.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Lazard Freres No 98.9%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 25 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 04 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • 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 (21) $373
  • Associates (91) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
10
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
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...”