No Junior Year Internship. What next?
I go to a semi target B1G school in the midwest with a 3.8 GPA. I´m going into my senior year with no internship offer. I attended fifty interviews in the past year with six final rounds. I had a VP tell me that they were ready to sign me before the CEO´s daughter was in. I´m interested in AM and WM and have been cold emailing regularly. I am trying to figure out what to do this summer to break into AM. Would taking the SIE exam and creating stock write-ups help for full time recruitment?
To maximize your chances of breaking into Asset Management (AM) or Wealth Management (WM) without a junior year internship, here’s what you should focus on:
Take the SIE Exam: Based on the most helpful WSO content, the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to the finance industry. It’s a foundational exam introduced by FINRA that covers essential concepts in the securities industry. Passing it can make you stand out during full-time recruitment, especially since it shows initiative and readiness to pursue licensing.
Create Stock Write-Ups: Developing stock write-ups is an excellent way to showcase your analytical skills and passion for investing. Focus on creating detailed, well-researched reports that highlight your ability to evaluate companies and make investment recommendations. These can serve as valuable talking points during interviews and can be shared with recruiters or hiring managers to demonstrate your skills.
Leverage Networking: Continue cold emailing, but refine your approach. Personalize your emails by referencing specific connections, shared interests, or recent news about the firm. Aim to set up informational interviews to build relationships and gain insights into the industry.
Gain Relevant Experience: If you can’t secure a formal internship, consider alternatives like:
Prepare for Full-Time Recruitment: Use resources like the WSO Resume Review and Mock Interviews to refine your application materials and interview skills. Tailor your resume to highlight transferable skills and any relevant coursework or projects.
Consider WSO Academy or Bootcamps: Programs like the WSO Academy or specific bootcamps (e.g., Financial Modeling & Valuation) can help you build technical skills and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
By combining these strategies, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for full-time roles in AM or WM despite the lack of a junior year internship.
Sources: Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam Overview, Q&A: Deloitte S&O -> F500 Corp. Strategy -> M7 -> MBB, Guide for Investment Banking Full-Time Recruiting, FT Recruiting - Compilation of Helpful WSO Posts
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