I'm a lib arts major at a target who completed a summer internship at a boutique-ish shop. I got the dreaded call informing me they didn't want me back for FT.
I'm a little bit baffled, not because I feel like I deserved an offer, but because I received continually positive feedback from my team throughout the summer. In my review, they commended me on my attitude and work ethic but cited lack of technical skills as a weakness, which I found surprising given that my direct supervisor had mentioned how refreshing it is to see someone from a humanities background, how surprised they were about how much finance I knew given my background, and that the accounting etc. was the easiest part of the job to learn. On the phone I was told my work product was not to the standard of some of the other interns, though not one person I worked with/for made this comment.
Given market conditions, I sense that HR/hiring committee did not forsee needing all that many FT analysts next year, and needed to give those not offered FT positions a rationale for the decision. This is more likely than the possibility that my team was bullshitting me about my work, right?
Also, I am sure there are many class of '09 in this position. What are you guys planning on doing for FT recruiting? Given what I've seen and heard for FT prospects, I'm thinking about casting a wider net (outside BB and/or IB) taking a year off (have wanted to and have concrete plans) or joining the army.
Thoughts?
An important thing you need to realize is that the feedback actually communicated by your staffer / mentor / supervisor varies dramatically from the feedback they received from people in your group. I can attest to this first hand after seeing both the written comments of all colleagues and listening to the feedback from the staffer. You can speculate to the reason for the differences in feedback but the fact remains, if a colleague says you totally lack technical skills and analytical thought process, your supervisor says continue to work on developing your skills with Excel. Don't blame HR or the bank unless no one got offers. It is a tough world out there, you have to be the best.
Looking forward, you need to make these decisions yourself. There are other careers out there than banking (use the search function to find a particularly comprehensive posting about this). Additionally, look into other boutiques or mid-markets if that is really your interest. Don't bother with BBs - if you didn't receive an offer from your boutique, you will not be breaking into a bulge bracket. Decide whether you still want to do Finance or if you want to join the Army and get back to us. I can't advise you on life decisions but can certainly provide some prospective on careers in finance. Best of luck to you.
"which I found surprising given that my direct supervisor had mentioned how refreshing it is to see someone from a humanities background"
And you believed them? If so, I can't really hold it against for not bringing you back.
Now you aim laterally as well as lower and try to get a job. No-brainer really. Or go get a master's.
slickmac, thank you for your honesty.
I know a hard look at myself, my skills and interests is required.
There is enough bullshit flying around, so honestly, thanks for telling it like it is.
Just out of curiosity, why would you want to join the Army?
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