Applying to 3 divisions ... too much?

I was in a similar position. I applied to generally all IBD & S&T, but for several I applied to an extra one. It definitely was a good idea. For one of the top BBs I received first rounds for all 3 divisions. For another BB, I was shafted from IBD & S&T, but was able to secure an interview with my third choice. For me at least, it hasn't affected me in a negative way.

I tend to feel the people on this forum over react about applying to more than one division. They are not going to care, and honestly I feel theyd think you're retarded for only applying for one of the most exclusive career paths. The rule of thumb I follow is to fill out their online application (which you are usually equired to do alongside on-campus recruiting resume drops) and see how many they let you select, usually 2 or 3.

once I was talking to a recruiter at DB and they say they dont like people without focus.

So a question for the people who have gone through the process, is it safe to apply to 2 divisions?

Alums tell me 2 is one toom any

So if you do apply to 2 or more then they don't give you a first round interview?

They can't look down upon this so bad, I mean we're still in college ...

i guess it depends on if ur at a target or non target. at a target school it's almost expected, since each bank posts so many positions on the career website, and pretty much everyone applies to at least 2 if not more. some people apply to 5 or 6 in eh firm simply because they are listed, and they still get interviews.

I'll apply to most of them then. Thanks

"For another BB, I was shafted from IBD & S&T, but was able to secure an interview with my third choice. For me at least, it hasn't affected me in a negative way."

redbull, you can't really assume it hasnt affected you in a negative way. Who knows maybe if you had applied to ONLY ibd or only s+t then you might have gotten an interview in one those divisions as opposed to your third choice. The ibd and s+t department may have rejected you because they thought you lacked focus.

eecs = attends stern?

A friend of mine applied to all 5 of those positions that Morgan Stanley listed, and he got all 5 interviews. He wasn't a spectacular candidate by any means but he did have banking work experience. Anyways, I say it can't hurt to apply to them all!

@ Stern Monkey - No I don't go to Stern. eecs is my major :D

Thanks for the info woggy987.

Should my cover letters be completely different for all the applications?

Right now I have - 1st para intro with 1-2 sentences stating why I want to go to that particular company.

2nd para - My major and introduction

3rd para - My experiences and how they have prepared me for whatever the job may require (I mainly say I have a demanding schedule and that I'm a quick learner.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

eecs - you go to Duke, correct? I applied to GCM, IB, and ST, don't the HR people hand out resumes to relevant analysts in each division, who in turn weed them out and tell them who they want to HR? Why wouldn't HR want the best people, just because they express interest in more than one division?