Australian IB SA application season is kicking off — thought I’d start a general thread.
I’m at a non-target Sydney uni (think low A/high B tier) and have found networking doable despite difficulty gaining traction at first. There’s a serious lack of recruiting events at my uni for students that don’t tick a major diversity box.
How are you all finding the process so far? Any luck with networking and applications?
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isn't whirlpool a better discussion forum for aussie IB than this site?
I’ve spent some time reviewing CV’s for this years intake. A lot of high calibre students and a lot of pressure from HR to hire women.
If you’re non-target you should try and attend FMAA event, network with bankers and then grab coffees.
Good to know, thanks for the tip. Already registered for a few FMAA events, not sure how much opportunity for networking there’ll be at virtual sessions.
How high calibre are we talking? Mind if I PM you with a few extra questions?
Hey mate, good luck with your applications this year. Some high calibre students with 1-2 internships across corp fin, corp advisory, big 4, equity research etc while having a decent ATAR/GPA + role in a society (however these are not concrete prerequisites to getting the internship!).
A few tips:
- application in (ie. applied + completed all video interviews etc.) at least two weeks before applications are due (aim for as early as possible)
- dont submit a copy paste cover letter to every firm, have an opening 1-2 paragraphs that you make firm specific with the rest being copy pasted about yourself
- try to speak with at least 1 analyst from each bank (LinkedIn, FMAA events) to help form an answer for why this bank
- prepare compelling reasons as to why this firm, why IB, tell me about yourself etc. Be able to walk through these answers easily with confidence as theyre 100% going to be asked in interviews.
- find a deal that each bank advised on and look through the target's statement / scheme booklet and check the Independent Expert Review inside the document to see rationale of the deal and how the target was valued etc. Being across this stuff makes technicals so much easier as interviewers will often ask you questions about the deal if you lead them into it.
If you are unlucky and don't get an internship, keep the ball rolling - you will have ~6-8 months before grad roles open, which is plenty of time to keep grinding for internships/work experience across Corp Fin, small boutiques, ER, PE/VC etc. A few unpaid internships doing only 1-2 days a week can massively improve your application for the next year.
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