AM/HF SA -> IB FT: advice?
Current junior here going into a largish AM (25B) on the investment side helping the consumer/tech team (sort of like an ER role). Worked at a L/S shop for sophomore summer and realized I didn't like it so not too excited about this summer. Wondering if anyone has moved from a BS SA to IB FT and if there is any general advice.
Should I begin networking now (with senior or junior bankers?) to express my interest in going back to SS advisory (freshman internship) and how do I position myself when I send out networking emails?
Thanks~
To transition from an AM/HF summer analyst role to a full-time IB position, here’s what you need to focus on:
Start Networking Early: Based on the most helpful WSO content, networking is critical. Begin reaching out to both senior and junior bankers now. Senior bankers can provide insights and potentially advocate for you, while junior bankers can give you a better understanding of the day-to-day role and help you navigate the process.
Position Yourself Strategically: When sending networking emails, emphasize your prior experience in sell-side advisory (from your freshman internship) and how it aligns with your long-term career goals. Highlight transferable skills from your AM/HF roles, such as financial modeling, sector expertise (consumer/tech), and investment analysis, to demonstrate your readiness for IB.
Tailor Your Approach: Focus on banks and groups where you have a genuine interest and where your background aligns. As one WSO thread suggests, it’s easier to land an interview when you have multiple people advocating for you. Build a network at your target banks rather than spreading yourself too thin.
Demonstrate Your Interest in IB: Be prepared to explain why you want to transition from AM/HF to IB. Show that you’ve done your homework on the industry and are eager to contribute. For example, you could mention that you enjoy the deal-making aspect of IB or the opportunity to work on high-impact transactions.
Leverage Your Summer Role: Even if you’re not excited about your upcoming AM role, use it to build your resume. Gain as much sector knowledge and technical expertise as possible, as these will be valuable talking points during IB interviews.
Prepare for Interviews: Brush up on technical skills, especially financial modeling and valuation techniques. Know your story inside out and be ready to articulate why IB is the right fit for you.
Stay Persistent: As one WSO mentor put it, “Outwork your competition.” Networking and transitioning to IB is a numbers game, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.
Good luck with your transition!
Sources: Q&A: GS/MS IB Analyst —> Megafund PE Associate —> HBS/GSB Business School, Non-Target to MM IB: My Advice, Non-Target to MM IB: My Advice, Roadmap for IBD Coverage Associate to Career Banker, 2019 FT Analyst Recruiting Timeline
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I did AM summer -> FT EB and it’s definitely a less trodden path. I wouldn’t overthink on the networking front — should prioritize on volume and getting your name across.
Be upfront with your motives and demonstrate passion. We usually don’t have viabilities on FT needs until August so you can navigate the process by 1) reaching out early to get pulse , or 2) start in ~mid-July which is closer to kick off.
If end goal is to break in, try to be less picky on groups/geo given not all banks will be hiring
When reaching out early, how should we phrase our email? I'm thinking about doing the same but from a niche IB group (think O&G) > more generalist group FT and not sure how phrase it. Should I be upfront or try to hide my internship?
Appreciate the advice! Was it extremely difficult to break in or just a matter of networking + good story + being sharp? Would appreciate if I could DM
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Bump how do I best approach? Should I start networking now
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Following too - want to make the switch this summer
B
Tough
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