University senior looking to break in

Hey guys, title says it all. I am currently a senior in college looking for some advice on the steps I should take in order to break in AM or S&T. I had a solid internship at Raymond James last summer but I did not accept the return offer because the location was absolute dog shit and J did not like the team I was working with.

Here are my options:

  1. Try and land a Summer 2024 internship
  2. Try and land a fully time entry level analyst role
  3. Since the job market is shit, extend my graduation to 2025 by adding a minor and apply for summer 2025 internships
 

Hey there, future finance maven! You're at a pivotal moment, and it's great that you're strategizing your next moves. Let's break down your options:

  1. Summer 2024 Internship: This could be a solid choice, especially if you're looking to gain more experience or pivot to a different area within AM or S&T. Based on the WSO content, it's clear that internships can be a critical stepping stone. Remember, it's not just about getting any internship; it's about finding the right fit for your career goals.

  2. Full-Time Entry Level Analyst Role: If you feel ready to dive into the workforce and you've got the skills and experience from your Raymond James internship, this could be the way to go. The job market can be tough, but with a solid internship under your belt, you're already ahead of the game. Make sure your resume is polished and tap into your network.

  3. Extend Graduation: This is an interesting option. If you're not in a rush and you think the extra time could benefit you academically or for recruiting, it might be worth considering. Based on previous WSO threads, some users have found success in delaying graduation to land a summer internship, which led to full-time offers. It could also give you more time to network, improve your GPA, and develop additional skills that make you even more marketable.

Remember, networking is key in finance. Keep sending those emails, connect with alumni, and don't be afraid to reach out to people at firms you're interested in. It's all about who you know and who knows you. And don't forget to leverage the resources available on WSO, like the Company Database and the Networking Guide, to sharpen your approach.

Whatever path you choose, make sure it aligns with your long-term career aspirations. Sometimes the scenic route offers the best views and experiences. Keep swinging for the fences!

Sources: 3.9 GPA from an Ivy League school in a useless major. What are my options?, International Student - Chance of getting an IBD internship in London?, Should I delay graduation for 1 semester or graduate? (Potentially salvageable situation), Missed SA 2019 recruiting - delay graduation for SA 2020?, My Four Year Plan

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

I doubt that you'll get a summer internship after graduating. The most realistic option is to go for a full-time entry level role. However, you are right that the market is not that great at the moment. Just to state the obvious, declining the Raymond James offer was probably not a great idea. Can you do something like a master in finance? My school had a master program that can be taken right after completing your bachelor. I know some people that got the master to get another shot at recruiting. 

 

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