LAST SHOT
OK....I am from a non-target, I have less than a 3.5 GPA, and I've never had a finance internship. I will be graduating in 2010.
I've stepped up in numerous leadership roles and have succeeded proudly not because I'm smarter than the rest but because I've got ballz. I have followed the markets for years and have taught my self finance before I ever took a course in the subject.
I have one close family friend who is a MD at one of the biggest BB on Wall ST.
My question to you is since it may be my only shot, what do I say to him in respect to career opportunities? Everything could change if he helps me and the above info of my education would become irrelevant and would mean very little. I should also note that I've given up searching for a SA gig and have now solely focused on Fall Recruitment
I would appreciate thoughtful, practical, and straightforward advice, thanks.
I'm younger than you, so don't take this as gospel:
I would try to get in touch with him for an informational interview this summer. It would probably be best to do this face to face, only over the phone if thats not possible. There are numerous old threads (search function) about what to say, ask, expect. But basically, I'd suggest trying to really convey a genuine interest in the business and in his BB. In my experience, when networking, people know your ultimate goal is to land a job and usually they take the discussion in that direction. Hope that was of some help.
You are really fucked for getting hired next fall, but don't take that as it is impossible, take it as you have your work cut out for you and you really need to work your ass off. I would reach out to the MD and since he is a close family friend be honest with him (this is probably your only way in) about everything. You have little choice since you have no internship and haven't had any. Let him know how much you know about finance, which may be very little, and your willingness to work 24 hours a day to learn as much as possible. At the end of the day your going to need to convey to this guy that if he helps you out, he won't be embarassed. Its great that you have ambition, but now you have to add in some direction, and that will require reading like crazy, and going through practice models etc. just be upfront with him about your/his concerns and your ambition. And maybe ask what you can do to get ready and perhaps set a time in the future where he can interview you to see if you have made progress. also asked to be put in touch with more junior people and work with them.
if this MD can help you out it will most likely be him making sure that you are given an interview. all it takes from a guy like him is an email/call to HR and you are in the process. from there, you HAVE to kill your interviews. it won't be his feedback alone to get you a job. there is a process, and unless you are being hired directly to his desk and not to a generalist pool, you will need to perform well in front of many others (phone int, superday, etc). so, read up on everything, do practice brainteasers, take views on the mkt, pitch stocks, bonds, trades, views, etc. and practice all of this bullshit over and over and over and over again. you must be a salesman.
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