How to break into ER with no experience?

I know this is entirely my fault and that my chances are slim to none, but I'm desperate to get into ER but I have no experience in the field. The only thing I have going for me is a good graduating GPA (~3.9) and two internships focused on real estate. If I am absolutely dead set on getting in ER what paths do I have? I am willing to work for as little as possible to break into the industry. Should I get a different type of job and work my way into ER? Should pick up any job and go get an MBA then try again a few years down? Pursue CFA? Should I just give up? I'm desperate and willing to do anything really. Open to all ideas.

 
 

i think a cfa would be your best bet - sometimes in my opinion cfa feels like it easily makes the most sense for research types. keep in mind these jobs are hard (and getting harder) to come by and so its not necessarily a reflection of your qualifications. you really do just need to be in the right place at the right time to get into ER these days. otherwise just focus on a cfa and some supplemental activities that demonstrade public market knowledge/passion

 
Most Helpful

I am assuming you’re a senior set to graduate this Spring. Admittedly, ER jobs are hard to come by and hiring is usually done “off cycle” when a junior leaves.

Your best bet is to keep applying and have your pitch/resume ready, but in the meantime apply to other roles that get your feet wet while allowing you to gain some modeling/corporate finance experience. Think FP&A, accounting, valuation. Start the CFA track as well. With some persistence you should be able to break in within a year or two if you aren’t able to land something before graduation.

 

Et molestiae error quia eos. Exercitationem labore exercitationem occaecati architecto modi dolore repudiandae. Vero hic autem id reiciendis provident error. Eos sit veritatis officia in harum quos.

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

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”