an unconventional conventionist

I would like someoneâ€s opinion about my chances of landing an Analyst position in the Investment Research division of a top 4 ibank. The ibank in question is doing a January 2008 uptake specifically for researchers. I applied a week ago and havenâ€t heard back yet.

The stats : 28 y/o with an undergrad in psychology (sorbonne france finished 05) and a master in management (scuola santâ€anna italy finished 06 – intro courses in accounting, corp fin, econ. etc) both non target schools. Following Nov 06 graduation I worked for a small management consulting firm in Italy for one year (I just finished there in fact). Why am I 28 – because I have two high school diplomas (baccalaurÃat and HS diploma – so I didnâ€t start University until age 21 – I moved to France at 19). I speak French, English and Italian fluently.

I am specifically wondering if I am just too old to be accepted or too unconventional. Would my age pose a problem for associates who are perhaps the same age ??? Obviously it would be ridiculous to consider a Sept 08 uptake – but the Jan 08 uptake seems within reason (technically one year after I graduated). Would knowing French or Italian possibly be in my favour in a research position?

ps: one banana to anyone who knows which cult film the line unconventional conventionist comes from...

I appreciate your help. Thank you. L

2 Comments
 

not good in NYC, decent in UK b/c of the languages, but you don't really have any discernible industry experience to crack the industry. I'd go for Europe b/c you don't really have a shot in NYC.

Also, you seem a bit weird, so that reduces your chances.

 

Veritatis officiis voluptatem assumenda repellat ut nihil. Recusandae pariatur eius illum harum molestiae.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.6%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.0%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.6%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (77) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (70) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”