I've been into management/strategy consulting out of London since past three years and will be joining a top, US, Non-target bschool this fall.
Am curious, what is the likelihood of landing an interview for an IB BB or boutique firm (Associate role), through an online application on the firm webpage, without any contacts/networking.
Anyone?
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BB - 0 Boutique - 0-5%
Disagree. No joke, I applied to Goldman online because I had no connections and they didn't come to my non-target undergrad. I figured that it couldn't hurt, didn't cost me anything. To my amazement, month or so later I they actually called for a phone interview. So it is possible.
What were your qualifications captk? You must have had a killer resume.
My qualifications aren't bad, but the point of the anecdote is that contrary to my expectations and popular belief, someone actually does at least look at the resumes that come in through the online drop.
Plus, it doesn't cost you anything, why not throw your resume in there?
ive applied for a job through school, and also online (where you pick NY and another location just because you have more than one choice) the NY choice corresponds to the school application.
I was turned down by the ny office but picked for interview for the other location. meaning different people look at your resume from different city you choose - through the online app. Ended up interviewing at school anyways, and eventually still worked in ny. my resume was average at best, although i did have relevant experience.
I got 2 interviews when I was recruiting for SA through online apps (Both BB) and having 0 contacts at both firms. I go to a relative non target also. It does work but I wouldn't rely on it.
Thanks for your response, guys!
For those who are with 0-5%: are we then saying that its only worth applying to bulge bracket, if: (1) Your studying at a target (through your school) and (2) You have a good contact.
Qualification being a big variable here: How about assuming a career changer with 3 years of strong non finance experience.
I am keen to know, if such success stories are realistic or if such applicants had some extraordinarily strong profiles which landed them an interview.
BTW, keep 'em coming...
Kev
Just a question, how can you be going to a top business school yet it is a non-target? Sounds like an oxymoron to me.
My bad. I should have been more precise. Lets say a top 25 non-target school.
Kev
I got an SA offer from a BB through an online app.
I heard only GS looks at the online App's
yeah GS used to look. Don't know if they still do. DB also used to look. Depends on the market mostly. If the market is good, then firms will probably give the online apps a chance.
I'm pretty sure you have to have a very high GPA to even pass the filter to get looked at, especially from a non-target.
In London, I had a crappy resume and went to a non-target and got an interview at JPMorgan Asset Management through the online application.
Lloyd: What do you think the chances are of a guy like you and a girl like me... ending up together? Mary: Well, Lloyd, that's difficult to say. I mean, we don't really... Lloyd: Hit me with it! Just give it to me straight! I came a long way just to see you, Mary. The least you can do is level with me. What are my chances? Mary: Not good. Lloyd: You mean, not good like one out of a hundred? Mary: I'd say more like one out of a million. [pause] Lloyd: So you're telling me there's a chance... YEAH!
From my understanding, many target B-school students found it difficult to get into the top banks for summer positions. The firms were generally only looking for those that had previous experience--those without it were dinged. With that said, your odds are slim to none. The stories told above were for undergrad, not graduate recruiting. Regardless, they are exceptions rather than the rule.
Finally, if you are serious about getting into banking, why would you rely on an online application to get you in? If you really want the job, you'd take the necessary steps to maximize your opportunities. Based on your question, I'd venture to say that your chances of getting into banking at a BB are 0. You show no commitment whatsoever. If you're not willing to bust your ass to get in, you're simply not going to--no one is going to roll out the red carpet for a "top 25 non-target" without a finance background.
Bowser's post is spot on except that one in a million odds are a stretch in this case.
Wow, that was pretty enlightening!
The purpose of this thread was one way (out of many) for me, as an international student to get a feel of how recruiters perceive online applications in the US and formulate my networking/application strategy before landing at the school
Nowhere in my post, have I mentioned that I'll be relying solely on online application. I just wanted to know if its worth applying to a range of firms, to cast a wide net or to increase your 'hit rate' in addition to several firms you'll spend time networking.
As for the commitment, think you're not entitled to judge that.
Kev
Chances of getting an interview after applying online (non-target school)? (Originally Posted: 02/06/2009)
My school (UC Davis) does not have any kind of recruiting events/meetings regarding IBanking. Hence I have three ways to get Summer Analyst Intern position:
1) Alumni. I'll need to research that 2) Through friends. Dead end in my opinion. Friends don't have close relatives/friends who are in IBanking 3) Applying online (Junior, 3.9 double major math/econ, strong extra curriculum).
I already applied to UBS AG, next week will send out about 10 - 20 applications to big and small companies. What are the chances of getting an interview at BB (probably slim to none...)? What about small boutiques? HAve you heard of people getting internships after applying online?
P.S.: I have a good reason why I am not in top school (I came to the US in the middle of high school).
Your GPA isn't going to get you in the door. A 3.8+ GPA is expected, especially if your a non target.
You really need to work your alumni network.
Your best bet would be alumni. I think there a few UC Davis alum on the street. Also, how come you're applying this late?
.
Yeah, I'm at a quarter-system school too. And kids usually can balance recruiting/mid-terms.
Also, you're not just competing against Stanford/Berkeley. Some USC/UCLA kids are applying to those small botiques as well.
And saying Davis has a rep in the BAY is like saying UCI has a great name in SoCal right after UCLA/USC...
Unfortunate but true.
It'll be tough, and from the sounds of it, seeing how you didn't know to apply in early January, do you think you're ready for the interviews themselves? Most of the serious candidates have been prepping the material for literally 3+ months even before their first mock interview.
In any case, I'm not one to judge, though I do believe in being a realist.
Best of luck.
I am from a C maybe even D non target school in NY and let me be honest with you, it's one thing to interview well and it's another thing to actually get that interview. I wish you luck, but considering you started this late and you are saying comments like " Passing an interview at boutique is no problem for me. I've never had problems with interviews and I know what to say even if I don't know the answers." I honestly don't think you have a chance, sorry. BTW take this from someone who has a BB internship this year, I'm not trying to be mean or cocky just saying that you need to humble yourself, study, and fucking relax dude.
.
I imagine you have no idea what you're getting yourself into if you don't know when to apply but think that the interview will be a breeze.
No one said shit about you being an idiot for being from a non-target (I started off at a non-target too).. All it means is that you have to put a little extra effort into getting the interview.
So the answer is 0 chance @ a BB. You could have applied in December and you still wouldn't even be considered at most banks (it's the way it works with online applicants)
I viewed your resume everything looks great except your attitude. Interviews are not a breeze especially within the Ibanking arena. Judging by your statements regarding the tardiness of your aps and ignorance towards interviews, you have no valid experiences with the interview process. I suggest you search prior threads on technicals and study them. From my understanding besides UCBERK, STANFORD, and maybe UCLA all other schools on the west dont hold a light to some of the top schools in the Northeast. UC DAVIS is probably on par with UMASS Amherst or slightly below.........................You also seem very insecure as i see a lot of excuses being made from your original post
is sharp...
You're going to have a better shot at boutiques if you call than if you apply online, at least that way you can force someone to say no. And if you think "you know how to interview" and will be set than you're going to fail your interview. I suggest you search around for some sample interview questions, and if you can't think of the correct answer immediately, spend the next two weeks (at least) reading any finance book you can find, collating sample questions, and ensuring you're ready to go. Also, UC Davis is fairly big, by the law of large number they have to have alumni who you can call who might be able to give you guidance or get your resume in the right hands.
GIVEN YOUR COMPLETE OBLIVIOUSNESS TO ALL ASPECTS OF BANKING, INCLUDING THE TIMELINE OF APPLICATIONS, THE DIFFICULTY AND NUANCES OF INTERVIEWS, AND YOUR COMPLETELY PISS-POOR RESUME, I SAY YOUR CHANCES OF ANY APPLICATION, ONLINE OR NOT, ARE 0. I LOVE HOW YOU'RE SO ARROGANT YET SO IGNORANT AND NAIVE AT THE SAME TIME. I GUESS THERE'S A REASON YOU ENDED UP AT UC DAVIS AFTER ALL.
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WTF dumbest guy ever relaxxxx man. As for Emil your best bet now is a small boutique. Don't be upset if it's not a "BB" it's still something and with your GPA you will have a good chance. As for me and how I got my offer, I really can not say in a public forum on the off chance someone from the bank is reading it and also I like to remain anonymous. I will point out is that I applied for everything I wanted EARLYYYYYY and made sure they received my info. GL dude
SOMEONE FROM BARUCH OR SUNY WHO IS WORKING IN OPS THIS SUMMER (AND BRAGGING ABOUT IT AS IF HE ACTUALLY HOLDS A REAL BB OFFER) IS CONDESCENDING TO ME? SURELY THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END OR KIDS THESE DAYS JUST DON'T KNOW THEIR PLACE.
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