I'm in my third year right now, but in less than 1 year my whole future seems like it will decided and I am already starting to worry. Perhaps I just need reassurance, but I most definitely want to feel like I did everything within my power to get a good job. The last thing I want is to be stuck with a job I am not proud of and feel as if my potential is wilting away. I've seen it happen to some of my friends, one of them who graduated with distinction getting interviews for ibanks and consulting companies but now works at a lowly retail bank doing trivial work. I'm scared, why did I even go to school if that is a possibility? My marks and my ability are not an issue, my only issue are the opportunities presented to me and I wish to maximize them.
In my third year now I am starting to understand my strengths/weaknesses, and likes/dislikes. I know ideally an investment banking position would be the best fit for me in the short term (for the 2 years experience) and then private equity is probably where I would like to end up. I've been researching investment banks, interview processes, technical knowledge and everything within my power to try an maximize my chances of breaking in. At first I was going in with the attitude that I would get a job in investment banking no matter what but I think it's starting to sink in that this is not a guarantee, especially in this current market. I need to keep my options open, but I just don't know what jobs exactly to consider and that's where I need some help.
I know that I would be good at anything I devote myself toward and I would enjoy any job that challenges me and appreciates my intelligence. I will never be happy with myself working a mediocre 9-5 job that at the end of the day doesn't matter and doesn't lead anywhere. To me such a job is a waste of time, anyone can have those kinds of jobs and they aren't special to me, I want more. I want to be used to the fullest of my ability, I want to matter, I want to feel like I am making a difference, and most importantly I want to feel like everything I am doing is contributing to improving myself so that I can get even better jobs, more responsibility and more influence. I am starving for knowledge, starving for opportunities and starving for more. My friends joke that at their jobs they sit around and do nothing, I would rather be working 100 hours a week at investment banking knowing that the experience will be an asset for even better jobs doing even more important work. I want to feel as if I matter.
Now if I don't get an investment banking analyst position, which is a distinct possibility I currently have no backup plan. I realize that my ambition, drive and intelligence will be an asset to any company in any industry. My current knowledge though is best suited towards the finance industry. Due to personal circumstances (GF doing to law school) for 3 years after my undergrad I am limited to the city of Calgary (Canada) to look for a job.
Aside from investment banking I haven't really looked into much else because private equity is where I want to end up and investment banking seems like the logical first step. I know I would be happy with a trading, consulting, hedge fund, equity research or Asset Management (yes I just went through the forums) position. I guess the next logical step for me now is research these fields, the key companies within them, the key positions and the recruiting process so I can apply to them as well to keep my options open.
I would say I'm most worried about what happens if even after all that I get nothing... what then? Do I waste away year after year trying again and again, apply to an MBA school, get declined by the Ivy leagues and hope a mediocre MBA will get me somewhere meanwhile racking up $100k in debt and never feeling happy with myself? I probably shouldn't be all doom and gloom while I'm only in my third year, I mean after all I could land an investment banking job and the rest would be history.
Anyway, I'm starting to get a little too carried away rambling but if you've read this far I'm sure you already knew that. I just need to focus and stay on target. I needed to type this up because I don't have a support network that would understand, but I think people here will definitely understand how I feel.
In this market it will be extremely tough to get noticed for investment banking positions. You are in a position that thousands of others are in. Try to get as much relevant work experience and networking you can to increase your chances.
Well, I'm actually in Edmonton this year, won't be moving to Calgary until 2013. How would you recommend I network while attending UofA in Edmonton?
if you wont explore options outside of calgary because your gf is going to law school there, then clearly you dont want it bad enough. and youre whipped
There's more to life than landing a gig at an ibank, bro. Besides, for the most part the work fucking blows. You're being too myopic and setting yourself up for failure.
Enjoy the wisdom of Ferris Bueller:
I don't want to have a long-distance relationship. We've been living together for almost 3 years I will be marrying her sometime in the future. Maybe you're right though, maybe if I truly do want it bad enough I'll make the sacrifice and force her to as well. I'm mostly familiar with Canada though so Toronto and Vancouver, I guess I should start looking into applying in the USA, and the UK as well. Perhaps even Australia? Of course London and NYC are the obvious locations, where else should I consider then?
Your anxiety is normal. But you need to be more proactive about reducing it. Instead of just researching avenues and processes of getting into investment banking start creating your own. Meet an alumni, talk to a career advisor at your school, see if your parents know anyone who works closely with investment banks or is an investment banker.
Simply knowing the process of how to land an IBD gig won't help you. Start ACTING, if you want Calgary look at local boutiques and regional firms. Where are their offices? Do they offer internships? If not, call them/email them telling them your interest and ability to work for free. Just start reaching out to people.
You'll also need to come to a decision about which is more important to you: being with your girlfriend, or being satisfied with your job. Because you may eventually have to sacrifice one.
Get a fucking grip you weakling. So you're experiencing anxiety when thinking about your future? You feel stressed out while job searching? You're worried about ruining your relationship? Yeah, you and every single kid that went through this proccess. Now pull up your fucking skirt and hit the real world.
Making me read this bullshit. I thought you actually had a real fucking problem.
There are tons of girls...i guarantee that this one is not more important than your career. You mentioned the jobs you wanted before you brought her up.
You see, here's where you're fortunate, because no one else wants to take this particular track so you're competition is minimal. Kick back, pop a cold one, and relax.
el oh el
There are some of us here with stellar academics, internship experience, EC's, gf's, complete devotion to the IBD division for 3+ years, know all the technicals as much as possible.... and we are still looking. Join the back of the queue please :D (not what you want to hear but unfortunautely its true)
Man the fuck up homie
Get a grip man, if you think what your going through is a "crisis" you are very emotionally naive and have much to experience until you feel a true crisis
Literally you and millions of people are in the same position, do something about it
If your only looking at Alberta for job because of a gf, you need a metaphorical slap in the face. You don't want it bad enough nor deserve it if you can't see past your own insufficient ambitions, because thats what they are
Hustle, there have literally been hundreds, if not thousands in your same position that have made something work..find you edge, leverage what your good at and spend every waking second of your life dedicated to obtaining your goal.
Until all you think about, dream about, and work on-day in and day out- is your one goal then you will just be like everyone else that just "wants" an IB gig. Heck, who doesn't want a well paying job when they graduate. What makes you more special than the next guy? Because you work hard, are smart, and are passionate about IB, grab a number and get in line because everyone has the same story
tl;dr except I did you big pussy.
"I will never be happy with myself working a mediocre 9-5 job that at the end of the day doesn't matter and doesn't lead anywhere. To me such a job is a waste of time, anyone can have those kinds of jobs and they aren't special to me, I want more. I want to be used to the fullest of my ability, I want to matter, I want to feel like I am making a difference, and most importantly I want to feel like everything I am doing is contributing to improving myself so that I can get even better jobs, more responsibility and more influence."
First of all, thumbs up for Revolution...
Second of all you won't matter as an analyst, because there are other thousands of kids ready to fill your position in your first years you are actually more of a liability...
Third - you won't feel like making a difference, because anybody with the right motivation can learn modelling, yes even a monkey.
So what's the big deal? Rather than that, go and change the world...
Sorry for being too honest... but good luck in your search for a job.
YO
I can tell you from experience that following a girl, or making decisions based on a girl, is not a good idea. You need to broaden your horizon as far as where you want to work and what you want to do.
You seem to have pigeon-holed yourself to IB, which is understandable, but you need to realize that there is so much more than that, even in the world of finance.
Like what everyone is saying so far: there are thousands of people just like you, many with (assuming) higher credentials and even more at stake who are struggling just like you are. Until you take big steps toward reaching your goal you are just going to be stressed out like this. I've done it, its not fun. All you can do is try your best and hope for the best. And if that fails, please remember that there are thousands of other jobs out there (F500, consulting, etc) and that as a recent graduate you will be in better standing for them than most. Also, please remember that there are hundreds of people in worse positions than you are. If I told you my "story" you'd probably throw up all over your computer...
You are a junior in college, there is still time. You have the drive and you have the resources, you need to use them. If the girl is really an important factor, which seems to be the case, try to come to grips with the idea that you may need to separate for a while to make shit happen. That just gives you (both) more motivation, and something to look forward to. I have been with my gf for 6 years, separated twice, lived on the other side of the world for a while, and it has only made us stronger. You can make it work.
I would say to read CompBanker's recent interview, as he shares some ideas that might make you see your situation in a different light.
Also, my personal recommendation is to do pushups and listen to the Cro-Mags.
Make the girl follow you, not the other way around. IB is about making sacrifice and devotion . You don't sound like you have either. And you're in Edmonton! No IBing jobs there for sure. Move out.
Spot on Rev.
Edmonton doesn't have very many, if any IB opportunities
TLDR
If your specific goal is IBD in Calgary, call up CIBC and the other banks in that city and pester the fuck out of them until they are forced to have security bar you from the building or you get a job. If all you get is a BO job there, bust your ass and network forward / innovate your way to the FO. I'm generally more sympathetic, but as soon as I hear people talk about their potential and then limit themselves, your words fall on deaf ears.
Do you want this or do you not? If you do, you'll do ANY FUCKING THING to get it. If not, that's fine. Be honest with yourself.
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