I'm a current sophomore at a non-target who has been focused on breaking into IB. Lately I have been having second thoughts if Banking is where I would be happy. Its not that I don't think I cant break into IB (,I have made pretty good connections from networking and I'm currently working on been interview ready both in delivery + knowledge) its just just that I don't see myself long term in IB. Unlike others I'm not using banking to break into post banking roles.
Lately I been getting more exposure to solving cases, which I have enjoyed and where my skills have shined. I have always been good with people, good at working with teams while taking leadership/following leadership and getting the best out of everyone, my thought process has always been different than most of my peers allowing me to successfully think outside the box, and my analytical skills are up to par. When I take a deep look at myself, I feel that my skills are better suited for a consulting type role and that I can have a more successful career in consulting than banking.
Some of the pros of consulting for me are: Chance to see my nephew and family at least once a week. Interesting work. Different working environment all the time, new challenges, new people to meet, etc. Ability to network, learn and practice as an undergrad until my senior year, unlike IB where I have to get a Junior internship by this summer/spring. More intimate relationship with my co-workers.
Some of the cons: Traveling. Although I like traveling a lot, it is probably is bound to get to the area where one hates it. (Maybe not?) Less pay as a junior than IB (which is not a huge factor for me since money isnt the main reason for why I do things, plus I been poor all my life and even 60k is a lot for me)
I plan on still continuing trying to get an internship for banking, as I have already done a lot of work for it and don't want to throw it all way when I'm still not 100% set on consulting. To add to that, I have gotten a lot of helped from alumni who have gone above and beyond to help me, and I feel that telling them that I don't want to do banking anymore would feel like a slap, due to the time they have invested in helping me.
This school year I have been focusing on ECs, currently in two finance clubs which I'm looking to get e-board positions by next semester. Im also founding a club to help deal with mental health and trying to join other clubs outside finance to get more involve in philanthropy. My school does not have any consulting clubs, but one of the finance clubs has a subgroup in consulting. I'm also planning on competing in case competitions, and getting more practice.
I will be transferring next semester as well to a target/semi target where I can submerge myself fully in school and be surrounded by fellow minded individuals (I currently go to a commuting school with a respected business school), so that should help with OCR.
To get to the point of my post: Does anyone have any advice for me? Does anyone have a similar experience? Besides prepping, gpa, ecs, and networking what made you stand out as an undergrad for consulting? What else should I be focusing on to better position myself?
Also just to add, yes I have searched the forums and yes I understand that most people probably dont care about this post. I'm just sharing as I dont have anywhere to talk about stuff like this and you guys have been extremely helpful during these past months.
Your self realized skill set seems to set up well for consulting. It also appears to capture your interest more than banking. Based on that, I would focus on consulting. You may still want a banking internship as it will actually help you get a consulting job out of UG. Of course a consulting internship would be better but they are few and far between. Most top firms are looking for internship experience with large brand names. That proves to them that you have experience working in a large professional organization and dealing with all that comes with that. It also shows that you had what it took for a large company to vet and hire you as an intern.
The idea of solving important problems for leading companies and working alongside very intelligent / interesting people does sound quite appealing. It will also set you up quite well for leadership within an organization, either the consulting firm or industry. Just realize at the entry level there will still be a lot of grunt work, but at least you'll get meaningful client facing time.
Im currently targeting a BB IB internship, but might also target a corporate banking one just to cast a wide net and due to some connections I have made(if Im not able to get an IB SA offer). Now since I havent secured anything yet for this upcoming summer, I was wondering how would a business development internship at a tech start up look or an internship at prudential's solution group in their strategy group for sophomore summer? Would they carry any weight for consulting or would they be a waste of time?
Problem is that I can only find unpaid gigs for sophomore summer at IB boutiques and PWM, but I cant afford to work for free. My plan is to then target a BB IB internship for junior summer and target FT positions during my senior year for consulting.
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