Salvageable worst case scenario?

Getting an internship with a boutique, proving my worth, and then landing a FT offer is ideal. I plan on cold calling and applying again, but in case that doesn't work I want to know if this other route will compensate for my inability to break in. Mind you, the goal isn't specifically IB, rather it is to find any opportunity to make good money.

Here is my background first.

End goal:
- make money

Undergraduate Education:
- Florida State University
- Econ & Poli Sci double major
- Business & Math minor
- 3.83 GPA, magna cum laude
- 4.0 Econ & Business GPA
- Economics honors in the major
- Political Science research intensive bachelor's certificate
- Garnet & Gold Scholar
- 200+ community service hours

Undergraduate Research Experience:
- Wrote and presented a paper on investigating property rights' effect on attracting FDI
- Research Assistant (1 semester)
- Defended an honors thesis on regime longevity's effect on attracting FDI

Work Experience:
- Fast Food, during undergrad (2 years)
- Tutoring, during undergrad (2 years)
- Algebra Teacher, (5 months so far)

Worst Case Scenario

Okay, so maybe this isn't the absolute worst case, but I'm confident in my ability to at least carry the following plan out.

Jan. 2017 - July. 2017
- Continue working as a teacher
- Study/Take the GMAT

Aug. 2017 - Dec. 2017
- Work as a teacher
- Apply to MSF programs
- Study/Take CFA 1 in Dec.

Jan. 2018 - June 2018
- Finish working as teacher
- Study/Take CFA 2 in June

July 2018 - May 2019
- MSF Program

Final Thoughts

If I get a job that doesn't necessarily need the CFA, such as IB, then I'll just focus on working and networking. If I get a job that prefers the CFA then I'll take the Level 3 exam June, 2020.

I've also read that level 2 has useful information for banking and PE, so I figured it won't be a lost if I go this route. Especially if I can't find credible work experience this upcoming year, I think the CFA would be useful.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

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From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

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