The Situation: I'm a senior in economics at a Big 10 school with a high GPA, but failed to pursue any meaningful internships (Also taking CFA Level I exam in December, if that helps any).
The Goal: Determine the best route to take to get a position in an IB or HF.
The Options: I have 3 options I can pursue to right my career, I think. 1) I have a cousin who is a Senior Associate at an IB, and can get me an internship. 2) A small HF has offered me an internship. 3) I contacted an alumni from my school at JPMorgan, who can get me in the Mid-Corporate Banking Program.
What should I do? At this point, with not much experience, I'm open to almost any idea. Basically, I just want a job that is stable and allows for alot of growth opportunities, while providing a nice income. I've asked around, and people have taken various career paths to get into IB. What is the best option for me? Should I even pursue an IB career?
You don't know anything
You don't know anything about banking if you think that your cousin, a senior associate, can just get you an internship.
isn't the mid-corporate
isn't the mid-corporate program the same thing as Ib? the only difference is mid-corporate works on smaller deals, right?
Clarification
The IB my cousin works for is a small, specialized IB. My cousin also is very good friends with his MD, and HE told me thinks he can get me it. In addition, after reading most of the posts on this site regarding networking, lots of people have stated that analysts and associates can help a lot with a foot in the door, as opposed to MD, etc. who have no time. And for the mid-corporate banking question. The Mid-Corporate program falls under the Commercial Banking Division, but works closely with the IB. The program also deals with teaching valuation, risk analysis, and financial modeling, which I think are skills I can put on my resume that would look favorably to an IB. It does deals with companies whose annual revenue is between 500mm -2bn
All are great options. Try
All are great options. Try for number 1, if not the JPM thing looks like your best shot if you want to end up in banking or a large HF. If you want to start at a small buyside shop do the small HF.
Lastly, its July get the fudge off the internet, choose a job, and kill it, your losing time, day-by-day.
Timeline
These are all positions that will begin in or after December (off-cycle internships).